Plus, a dietitian explains how to make the most of your daily greens.
Green juice is notorious for its health halo: How could a bunch of blended fruits and veggies not be nutritious? It’s also one of the most ubiquitous health-focused snacks, one that you can pick up at the grocery store, the yoga studio, and even the gas station.
“Green juice can be a great way for people who don’t like to eat veggies to get some greens into their diet,” says Diana Sugiuchi, R.D.N., L.D.N., founder of Nourish Family Nutrition. She notes, though, that making the most of green juice is a bit more complicated than you might first imagine—especially if you’re using a traditional juicer.
“I would definitely go the route of blending, rather than using a juicer,” says Sugiuchi, who notes that juicers remove much of the fiber in your produce, which keeps you feeling full. “One of the key benefits of veggies is their fiber content. One of the main ones is that the fiber acts as a prebiotic in your digestive tract. It helps to feed those good bacteria that have effects on our physical and mental health.”
Another thing to consider is sugar. “Fruit is really healthy, but if you’re having an orange, an apple, and pineapple juice all at once, that can be an awful lot of sugar,” Sugiuchi warns. “Watch the amount you’re adding and consider, ‘Is this going to be a complete meal for me? What can I add to this?’”
But when you strike a balance of veggies and fruit, green juices can be a great snack or morning pick-me-up paired with your breakfast. They’re rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that do all sorts of wonderful things for your health. “All those dark green veggies are a great source of vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant” Sugiuchi says. “You’re also going to be getting vitamin C and some potassium, too.” Getting thirsty? The following green juice recipes are so tasty, you’ll want to sip one every day.
1
Healthy Green Juice with Lemon
“Any leafy greens are going to give you those vitamins and nutrients,” Sugiuchi says. This recipe makes sure of that, because it’s packed with both kale and romaine. But don’t worry: Extras like carrot, cucumber, and lemon ensure that it’s both healthy and drinkable.
Get the recipe at Simply Quinoa »
2
Green Juice for Beginners
Kale a little too intense for you? Sugiuchi also loves spinach, which contains many of the same nutrients but is “a little milder,” she notes. Spinach is a perfect base for this fruit-forward juice, which is great for beginners who want to try juicing, but don’t love the taste of veggies.
Get the recipe at Simple Vegan Blog »
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3
Tomato-Kale Gazpacho Smoothie
Technically a smoothie, this plant-powered blend has a lighter consistency if you want something a little more filling than your typical juice. Greek yogurt adds some quality protein, while celery, lime, kale, and cucumbers give it that vibrant green hue.
Get the recipe at Prevention »
4
My Favorite Green Juice
In this leafy greens-packed recipe, powerful nutrients taste delicious. Kale is chock-full of vitamins A, C, K, and B6, plus calcium and manganese. And you won’t even notice that you’re drinking it, thanks to a bright combination of lemon, apple, and parsley.
Get the recipe at Eating Bird Food »
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5
Green Cleanse Smoothie
You’ll use a blender instead of a juicer for this recipe, but the result is much closer to the consistency of a juice than a thicker smoothie. It’s packed with vitamin C, thanks to spinach and kiwi. Plus, a bit of coconut water adds sweetness to the final product.
Get the recipe at Women's Health Australia »
6
Digestive Aid Green Juice
We all feel bloated every once in a while. This vegan juice is the perfect antidote, packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and fennel. “One of my favorite tricks in green smoothies and juices is adding a little bit of fresh ginger root,” Sugiuchi says. “That really helps to offset that bitter flavor.”
Get the recipe at Simple Vegan Blog »
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7
Zingy Ginger Green Juice
For another ginger-forward recipe that’s great for digestion, try this five-ingredient juice that goes all-in on the root. You’ll drink an entire head of fresh kale—along with its vitamins, minerals, and those Sugiuchi-approved phytonutrients—without even realizing it.
Get the recipe at Vegukate »
8
Springtime Green Apple Juice
We all need a break from leafy greens every once in a while. That’s where this celery-apple juice comes in—it’s sweet, light, and incredibly refreshing. With cucumber and ginger for flavor, it’s practically begging to be enjoyed on a warm, sunny morning.
Get the recipe at Simply Quinoa »
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9
Cilantro-Celery Juice Punch
This recipe is only for the cilantro lovers of the world—it gets most of its color from an entire bunch of the greens. The love-it-or-hate-it herb is rich in antioxidants, making it a great juice base. And don’t worry: The cilantro is tempered with apple, ginger, and lemon, making it as tasty as it is healthy.
Get the recipe at Delish »
10
Four-Ingredient Fall Juice
Kale, spinach, and romaine aren’t the only greens you can use for your juice. Why not try Swiss chard? This easy juice (which works any time of year) balances out the bitterness of chard and celery with the natural sweetness of apples and oranges. You’ll love the energizing boost of vitamin C.
Get the recipe at Simple Vegan Blog »
Jake Smith
Jake Smith, an editorial fellow at Prevention, recently graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism and just started going to the gym. Let's be honest—he's probably scrolling through Twitter right now.
