Drinking green juice has become a popular health trend in recent years. Proponents claim that consuming green juices made from vegetables and fruits provides a concentrated dose of nutrients that can boost energy, improve health, promote weight loss, and more. One such green juice that has gained a devoted following is called Mean Green juice.
What is Mean Green Juice?
Mean Green juice is a blend of fruits and green vegetables that is touted for its high nutritional content. It typically contains some combination of kale, spinach, parsley, cucumber, green apples, lemon, ginger, and celery. The exact ingredients and proportions vary, but kale and green apples tend to make up the base.
This bright green beverage was created by celebrity fitness trainer Joe Cross. He became well-known for promoting juicing and documenting his 60-day juice fast in the popular documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Since then, Mean Green juice has been widely adopted by the juicing community.
Nutritional Benefits of Mean Green Juice
Drinking Mean Green juice provides a substantial amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in one convenient beverage. Some of the top nutrients found in Mean Green juice include:
- Vitamin A – Supports immune function and vision.
- Vitamin C – Potent antioxidant that promotes collagen production.
- Vitamin K – Important for blood clotting and bone health.
- Potassium – Helps control blood pressure.
- Magnesium – Relaxes muscles and aids nerve function.
- Iron – Oxygenates the blood to boost energy.
- Fiber – Improves digestion and heart health.
- Chlorophyll – Antioxidant that may have anti-cancer effects.
- Flavonoids – Anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.
Additionally, Mean Green juice provides very few calories or sugar compared to fruit juices. A 16 ounce serving typically has around 150 calories and fewer than 15 grams of natural sugar.
Potential Health Benefits
Drinking Mean Green juice on a regular basis may provide several health advantages:
- Weight loss – The low calorie, high fiber and nutrient content helps promote satiety and a healthy metabolism.
- Detoxification – The antioxidants may help flush out toxins and support liver and kidney function.
- Disease prevention – The vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and chlorophyll act as antioxidants to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Energy boost – B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and natural sugars provide sustained energy without a crash.
- Radiant skin – Hydration and phytonutrients like chlorophyll promote healthy, glowing skin.
- Improved digestion – Fiber and hydration keeps the digestive system functioning optimally.
Keep in mind that research on Mean Green juice specifically is limited. However, studies do show that increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices has wide-ranging health benefits.
How Often Should You Drink Mean Green Juice?
There are no official recommendations for how often to drink Mean Green juice. However, here are some general guidelines based on your health goals:
For General Health
Drinking Mean Green juice 2-3 times per week can help increase your fruit and vegetable intake and provide a nutritious, low-calorie beverage option. This frequency is enough to get beneficial phytonutrients without overdoing the natural sugars.
For Detoxification
You may want to drink Mean Green juice 3-5 times per week when doing a dedicated juice cleanse. Limiting intake to 16 ounces per day prevents excess sugar consumption.
For Weight Loss
Drinking Mean Green juice 3-6 times per week can aid weight loss, especially when coupled with a healthy diet and exercise. The low calories, fiber and nutrients support fat burning.
Every Day
Some people enjoy drinking Mean Green juice every day to maximize nutrient intake. Limit portions to 16 ounces and aim for 1-2 times daily at most for diabetes prevention.
Keep in mind that relying too heavily on juices can lead to calorie, protein, fat or micronutrient deficiencies in the long run. It’s best to focus on whole foods and use Mean Green as a supplemental beverage.
Amount to Drink Each Time
A typical serving size of Mean Green juice is 16 ounces (2 cups). This provides a substantial dose of nutrients without excessive calories or sugar.
Some people may dilute the juice with water or ice to create more volume. It’s fine to adjust the strength to your personal preference.
Here are the nutrition facts for 16 ounces of basic Mean Green juice made with kale, apples, celery, cucumber, lemon and ginger:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 195 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 22 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
When to Drink Mean Green Juice
The optimal time to drink Mean Green juice depends on your goals:
In the Morning
Drinking Mean Green first thing in the morning can help replenish nutrients after sleep and provide natural energy to start your day. However, for weight loss, some people find it is more beneficial to start the day with a protein-rich meal instead.
Between Meals
Having a glass of Mean Green juice mid-morning or mid-afternoon can boost satiety and energy levels between meals. This may help control hunger and cravings throughout the day.
Before a Workout
The carbohydrates, minerals and antioxidants in Mean Green juice can improve athletic performance when consumed 30-60 minutes prior to exercise. Just be sure to dilute with water to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Post-Workout
Some research indicates that consuming carbohydrates and antioxidants from fruits and veggies like those in Mean Green juice can enhance recovery after a workout.
Any Time!
You can realistically drink Mean Green juice at any time of day. Listen to your body and drink it when you feel you need an extra nutrient boost or hydration.
Should You Drink Mean Green Juice on an Empty Stomach?
Some people prefer to drink green juices like Mean Green first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Advocates claim this maximizes nutrient absorption and cleansing effects. However, there are several potential downsides to consider:
- Can cause nausea, stomach pain or diarrhea for some
- Rapid sugar and fluid intake can produce an energy crash later
- May contribute to tooth enamel erosion
- Not optimal for blood sugar regulation compared to eating solid food
If you experience any gastric distress from drinking Mean Green juice on an empty stomach, it may be best to consume it with or after a light meal instead. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed more gradually. Some people find diluting the juice also helps prevent problems.
Should You Drink Mean Green Juice Before Bed?
It’s generally not recommended to drink Mean Green juice right before bedtime. Here’s why:
- The nutrients may not be properly utilized as you sleep
- The natural sugars can interfere with sleep quality
- The diuretic effect may disrupt sleep by causing bathroom trips
- Could contribute to acid reflux symptoms at night
It’s better to finish your last glass of Mean Green juice 2-3 hours before bed for proper digestion and absorption. However, if you dilute the juice and your body tolerates it well in the evening, an occasional nighttime glass shouldn’t cause harm.
Should You Drink Mean Green Juice With Meals?
There are pros and cons to drinking Mean Green juice alongside meals:
Potential Benefits:
- Can help increase vegetable intake with meals
- The nutrients may be better absorbed alongside solid foods
- Convenient way to get fruits/veggies with quick meals
Potential Drawbacks:
- Can reduce appetite and decrease calories consumed from solid foods
- Fruits/veggies in juice form lack the fiber of whole produce
- Too much liquid can impair digestion of solid foods
If drinking Mean Green juice with meals, stick to 4-8 oz servings and focus on consuming plenty of fiber-rich solid foods too. Drinking the juice 30+ minutes before large meals is likely a better approach.
Should You Drink Mean Green Juice With Other Beverages?
You can safely combine Mean Green juice with most other beverages. However, here are some considerations:
- Limit mixing with sweet drinks – already contains natural sugars
- Avoid drinking with meals – dilutes digestive juices
- Stay hydrated with water – prevents excess sugar calories
- Okay to combine with unsweetened tea, coffee, milk, etc.
- Adjust juice strength if combining with water
Use common sense when pairing Mean Green juice with other drinks. Stick to unsweetened options and limit consumption alongside large meals whenever possible.
Tips for Getting the Most From Mean Green Juice
Here are some simple tips to maximize the nutritional value and health impact of drinking Mean Green juice:
- Use organic produce when possible
- Include lemon for vitamin C and phytonutrients
- Rotate different greens like kale, spinach, chard, etc.
- Add healthy fats like avocado or coconut occasionally
- Include fresh ginger for digestion and anti-inflammatory effects
- Drink soon after making – nutrients degrade over time
- Pair with protein, fat or fiber for satiety
- Sip slowly to prevent bloating
- Rinse mouth after to prevent tooth decay
- Listen to your body’s signals when determining amount and timing
Conclusion
Drinking green juices like Mean Green can provide a powerful dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost nutrition and promote good health. The ideal frequency depends on your goals, with 2-6 times per week being a reasonable range for most people. Consume Mean Green juice in 16 ounce servings, ideally on its own between meals or paired with solid foods. Drink it when you need an energizing nutrient boost but limit intake in the evening. With smart incorporation into your routine, Mean Green juice can be a healthy supplemental beverage.
