Since childhood, we’ve heard our moms urging us to “eat your greens.” However, now that we’re a bit older, social media insist we “drink our greens”, and we wish we were joking.
These green juices that have become the favourite of every other beauty and health influencer promise a few things – and some of them definitely include glass-like skin, a flat stomach, and silky hair. Sounds like one solution to all of your problems, right?
But what exactly are these ‘green elixirs’?
- The green juice, or elixir, can be made in various ways, and each version is going viral on social media platforms, with each recipe claiming to be better than the last.
- This has made them quite popular amongst people who are trying to eat and drink better.
- Another reason is that people often associate green-coloured food with being healthy.
India Today spoke to experts about three of the most viral green juice recipes. Should you include these ‘health drinks’ into your diet, are they really as beneficial as the social media buzz claims – read on to know it all.
1. Chlorophyll water
Chlorophyll water is a favourite drink amongst beauty influencers majorly for its effects on acne.
This Chlorophyll water can be bought directly from stores or get it in the form of drops and mixed with water.
Experts also agree about the effectiveness of chlorophyll.
For instance, Dr Monica Bambroo, head of dermatology and cosmetology at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, lists a few benefits of drinking chlorophyll water.
Let us break it down for you.
- Chlorophyll offers a lot of health benefits, like improving skin health, reducing body odour, and acting as an antioxidant.
- It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K which are beneficial for overall health.
Rashi Tantia, the HOD of dietetics at the Metro Hospital, Faridabad, agrees and adds that chlorophyll water can be a “healthy addition to your diet” as it has antioxidant properties, which means it can help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. She says, chlorophyll:
- Helps to maintain a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while lowering harmful bacteria.
- Contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that may aid with skin disorders such as acne.
Word of caution
Experts also commented that you might experience some side effects of having chlorophyll.
“Chlorophyll water in large quantities may cause digestive upset, such as diarrhoea or nausea,” Rashi adds.
Moreover, Rashi also adds that there are very limited studies on chlorophyll and the impacts of consuming it.
2. Matcha
If you want to become the next “It Girl,” take notes.
Step 1: You need to have premium lip oil.
Step 2: Get one of Van Cleef’s necklaces or bracelets (it will cost you more than your kidney).
Step 3: You need to love matcha.
There is no doubt that, over time, thanks to the influence of social media, matcha has replaced the cute cups that once held hot, steaming lattes. Social media will tell you that it has a lot of benefits for your face and body and is better than your friendly, easy-to-make green tea.
But what is it? Matcha is a powder that’s made of finely ground green tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, which has its roots in Japan.
But is it true? Let’s look at some of the studies.
Although very limited, but a few studies done on matcha show that it does have a few benefits.
For instance, a 2023 study shows that matcha not only decreases stress and anxiety, but improves memory and short- and long-term cognitive function in humans.
But also remember that the studies done on matcha are very limited, and moreover, similar studies show that matcha doesn’t appear to cause significant side effects when consumed in moderation, but when consumed in large amounts, the caffeine present in matcha may cause:
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- insomnia
3. Celery Juice
Both options mentioned above come with certain disadvantages, leading many people to switch to an all-natural green juice. For instance, some people dislike the taste of matcha, while others find chlorophyll water too expensive, or it is not readily available.
However, one drink creating quite a buzz on social media is celery juice, which is neither earthy in taste nor too expensive. In case you don’t know, celery is a fairly well-known vegetable in the Indian market, scientifically known as ‘Apium graveolens‘.
Claimed benefits?
- Helps with acne
- Reduces inflammation
- Gives your skin a glow
Do experts agree?
Rashi Tania tells India Today that celery juice has “possible health advantages”, especially for the skin.
“It is recommended to drink celery juice in the morning on an empty stomach. It is mainly water, so drinking celery juice will help keep your skin moisturised, which is necessary for a healthy shine. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for skin health”, says Rashi.
Dr Bambroo further says, that just like celery juice, other green juices, like kale or spinach juice, are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can contribute to better skin health.
“Celery juice is known for its high water content and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing skin inflammation and promoting a clear complexion,” says Dr Bambroo.
Remember
‘Green’ does not always equate to healthy. Dr Bambroo says that even though these “green juices” are healthy for us, we shouldn’t rely solely on these juices without a balanced diet (so don’t think of going on a juice cleanse, it won’t help you).
“It may not yield long-term benefits,” she adds.
Moreover, we need more scientific studies to prove that these drinks can aid in weight loss and help us achieve glass-like skin.