You’ve probably seen wellness shots — small bottles of concentrate juice that purport to improve digestion, mental focus and immunity. They’re often sold at juice shops, grocery stores and airport kiosks for about $3 a pop.
They contain nutrients like apples, lemons and ginger that are linked to specific health benefits. However, they’re not a substitute for healthy foods or supplements.
They’re expensive
If you’re looking to stay healthy, wellness shots are a great way to boost your immune system. They’re also a great way to get vitamins and nutrients that your body needs for optimal health.
You can buy them pre-made at your local grocery store or health food store, or you can make them yourself. They’re typically made with a blend of juiced fruits and vegetables, extracts, herbs and spices.
These small juice drinks are touted as immune boosters, weight loss boosters, and anti-aging supplements. They contain ingredients like apple cider vinegar, turmeric and ginger, which have been shown to improve digestion and blood sugar levels.
These aren’t a substitute for a balanced diet, though. Instead, they offer a concentrated source of certain nutrients, and they’re easy to consume in a short amount of time.
They’re not worth the hype
Wellness shots are all the rage, promising to boost your immunity, gut health, and energy levels. They’re found at juice shops, supermarkets and airport kiosks.
But can they really live up to their hype? We tapped licensed nutritionists to get the lowdown.
Despite the marketing claims, wellness shots are unlikely to deliver a significant impact on your health because they are too small and lack many of the essential nutrients you need from whole foods.
“Healthy people who have a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, are usually better off getting these nutrients from their food sources instead of relying on high-priced wellness shots that offer a concentrated punch of nutrient,” says Andrews.
Moreover, a lack of fiber in wellness shots can slow down digestion and inhibit absorption of the micronutrients contained in the shots. This can lead to constipation and bloating. For these reasons, it’s best to stick to a balanced diet that offers ample fiber.
They’re not a substitute for a healthy diet
You’ve probably heard about wellness shots – those little two-ounce bottles that promise to boost your immune system, give you plant-based energy and naturally reduce bloat. They’re a new health-food craze, and they’re all the rage at juice bars and smoothie shops.
However, while they do contain a slew of important nutrients like chlorophyll and antioxidants, they’re not meant to replace a healthy diet. They’re a great way to add a shot of vitamins and minerals into your day, but you still need to prioritize fruits and veggies.
If you’re looking to improve your immune system, you can mix up a batch of this simple wellness shot for a quick and easy nutrient boost. This recipe uses lemon for vitamin C and ginger to promote digestion. It also includes parsley, which helps rid your body of excess water weight due to inflammation. Plus, matcha powder provides a powerful dose of antioxidants that will protect your heart.
They’re not a cure-all
Wellness shots are a hot item on the market these days, with a wide range of ingredients and blends manufacturers claim will help you lose weight, fight inflammation, boost energy or improve immunity. They’re found at juice bars, smoothie shops and local grocery stores.
The idea behind them is simple: They’re small, concentrated juices that contain ingredients known to have a wide variety of health benefits such as apple cider vinegar, turmeric and ginger. These ingredients are meant to increase your nutrient uptake by reducing gastric acid and easing digestion.
But, as with any dietary supplement, there is often very little scientific evidence to support these claims.
This means they’re not a cure-all and they should not be used to substitute for a healthy diet. Instead, they should be used to fill any nutrient gaps and complement a balanced diet, says nutritionist Zhu.