Have you heard or seen the health trend that’s been doing rounds on the internet lately – ABC juice? We can’t deny that social media pretty much drives our idea of fitness and all things related to it. And this drink is no different! ABC drink is believed to be the perfect detoxification drink. It is also touted as a healthy drink for people trying to lose weight. So, is it really that healthy or is it just another social media phenomenon? Let’s find out.

What is ABC juice?

This is the first and most important question! This miracle drink (as popularised on social media) is a combination of three drinks. The three ingredients in this juice are apples, beetroot and carrot, hence the name ABC juice.

For starters, all of these ingredients contain a plethora of benefits, so the health quotient is there! Before dissecting whether or not it is another hyped trend, let’s discuss the health benefits of apples, beetroot, and carrot.

Apples

Highly nutritious, apples are incredibly nutritious. Studies have shown that they are high in fibre and antioxidants that help lower the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. However, more research is required to confirm the health benefits of apples.

Beetroot

This vibrant and delicious vegetable contains properties that help detoxify the toxins of the body. It is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight off infections. It also helps reduce pain, improve cognitive function, and reduce inflammation, as per the study published in the journal Nutrients.

Carrot

Several studies have shown that carrots are rich in carotenoids, vitamins, and dietary fibre. Carrots also contain antioxidants and minerals. It is also believed to clear out toxins from your body.

Is ABC juice healthy?

Now we know that the ingredients used in the ABC juice are healthy, but is the combination of these fruits and vegetables also healthy?

Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Max Healthcare in Delhi, told Healthshots, “ABC drink is a very healthy drink as the fruits and veggies are very nutritious, full of vitamins and antioxidants and high on fibre. Plus, they are easily available, inexpensive, and high in nutrients.”

However, this may not be the go-to drink for someone trying to lose weight. For weight loss, Samaddar recommends eating a healthy low-carb, low-fat, and high-protein diet along with ABC juice. A calorie-deficit diet is the way to go if you’re trying to shed the extra kilos. As a part of a healthy diet, ABC juice is nutritious and can aid weight loss as it promotes feelings of satiety and fullness.
Since ABC juice is high in antioxidants and fibre, it is good for your heart. Also, if taken along with a healthy, balanced diet, which is low in cholesterol and sodium,  it can be beneficial for your heart, adds the expert.

As for the intake, Samaddar recommends that one should have the ABC drink as a midday drink or in the evenings. However, make sure that you add fibre as well to your diet.

Who should avoid ABC juice?

While it is a healthy drink that aids in weight loss and promotes heart health if combined with a healthy diet, there are certain downsides of it that you should keep in mind.

People on potassium restriction, such as kidney patients or those with irritable bowel syndrome on a low FODMAP diet should avoid ABC juice, warns Samaddar. “Just taking juices the whole day is not recommended as it’s not a part of a healthy balanced diet,” she adds further.

Now that you know the pros and cons of drinking ABC juice, decide if you want to give this a try or miss!