Image by: OakleyOriginals
By Kurt Garrity

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that a juice–based diet or “juice fast” will lead to weight loss and other health benefits for men willing to go down that liquid road. But you should be cautioned as this evidence is not scientific, warn the experts.

First, let’s be clear – a “juicing” or juice-drinking diet should only be a short-term approach to losing weight. There can be serious side effects to be had by trying to live off of juice alone for any extended period of time. And, as always, it is always a good idea to consult with your physician before attempting any radical health behavior modifications.

The Doctor & The Juice Lady

Andrew Weil, MD, integrative medicine director at the University of Arizona, was asked by WebMD if these types of cleansing diets work.

“There’s no scientific evidence to support the claims …,” says Weil.

Other, such as juicing proponents, are buoyed by statements like this from the Department of Agriculture, which claimed that one study showed that 90% of antioxidants were in the juice, not in the fiber of the fruit. They say juicing cuts out the middle man and delivers the essentials to cleansing the body, boosting the immune system and losing weight.

Then there’s The Juice Lady points, who points to many different studies as proof positive that drinking various juices can actually have a significant health positive effects, including preventing the formation of kidney stones and reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.

Of course she could be blowing smoke up that soon to be cleansed colon.

The Juice Is Loose

Now that all of that fun stuff is out of the way, let’s get juiced and focus on the benefits associated with a successful, short-term juice fast approach. You can actually lose 10 pounds in as many days using one of the juice fast diet variants, so say the many believers and sellers of juice diet plans and programs. And for some, they do work, absolutely. But be prepared for wicked hunger, extended or frequent trips to the bathroom, a general irritability and other side effects.

Juice fasting is no picnic, for sure. For one, there are less ants. But even if weight loss from a juice onslaught isn’t in the cards, there are other benefits, for sure.

Gives Your Immune System A Boost

All of those healthy vitamins and nutrients found in juice will kick-start your immune system and turn you into a superman. OK, not exactly a superman – you aren’t going to be leaping over any buildings or anything – but your ability to ward off evil spirits (viruses, colds, flu) will be enhanced, for sure. No, that doesn’t mean you can stop washing your hands.

Cleanses Toxins & Reduces Risks Associated With Cancer

A juice fast is basically a cleanse shrouded in sugary sweet flavors. The liquid-only diet speeds up the body’s processes and has a clearing house type effect on all of those bad things stored inside your body. Juice goes in, bad things come out … including some of things that have been shown to cause cancer.