Peer JP+ Review

JUICE PLUS+ COMPLETE REVIEW

Protein shakes and packaged nutrition shakes are not generally something we endorse as part of the anti-inflammatory diet recommendations we make on the CleanCuisine.com website. But Juice Plus+ Complete nutrition No-Milk shakes are different. My husband, Andy Larson, M.D., and I were introduced to Juice Plus+ several years ago by one of his patients and we have since done a lot of research on the company and their phytonutrient-rich product line. Juice Plus+ as a company is unique in the nutritional supplement world because their fruit and vegetable based products are one of the most thoroughly and scientifically research nutritional supplements anywhere. And, because Andy and I know the statistics, we know the average person does not eat a “whole foods” diet much less come anywhere close to eating the 9 to 12 servings of fruits and vegetables that they should eat each day for optimal health. Thus, the average person is highly deficient in the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables and other plant-based “whole foods”. This is where the Juice Plus+ product line and Juice Plus+ Complete shakes step in to fill the gap. Juice Plus+ products provide your body with a much needed nutrition “booster.”



WHAT EXACTLY ARE PHYTONUTRIENTS?

Phytonutrients are disease-fighting substances found only in plant-based foods. Phytonutrients not only help protect and support the health of the plant, but also support the health of YOU, the plant-eater. Plant-based foods contain literally hundreds of different phytonutrients that work synergistically on many different cellular levels to optimize health. The greater variety of phytonutrients you get the better protection you have. Phytonutrients are one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants; they work to prevent both visible and cellular aging. Scientific evidence supports the value of phytonutrients in preventing and treating at least three leading causes of premature death including cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In addition to offering powerful antioxidant benefits, phytonutrients are powerful anti-inflammatory substances that help reduce the systemic inflammation associated with many chronic inflammatory conditions. Phytonutrients also enable your body to burn fat faster by stimulating PPAR’s (peroxisome proliferator activated receptors). PPAR’s reduce fat-storing insulin levels and even lower cholesterol. Note: Animal foods do not contain phytonutrients so shakes made only with animal food sources of protein (such as milk or whey protein) do not contain phytonutrients.



PHYTONUTRIENTS FROM WHOLE FOODS ARE BEST

It is important to note that taking isolated phytonutrients is not something we endorse. Juice Plus+ does not contain isolated phytonutrients but instead contains phytonutrients in “whole food” form. For optimal health you need lots and lots of phytonutrients from a mix of all sorts of different plant foods. There are scores of plant foods to eat and each plant food has its own unique phytonutrient makeup. In fact, scientists have identified over 10,000 different phytonutrients to date. Importantly, there is no such thing as a magic bullet single “best” phytonutrient because these powerful substances work synergistically as team players. Just like our favorite football team the Miami Dolphins couldn't have enjoyed the only unbeaten, untied record in modern sports history through the isolated efforts of one star player, one single phytonutrient can’t get the job done either. You need to have the whole team!



WHAT IS JUICE PLUS+ COMPLETE?

I hesitate to call Juice Plus+ Complete a “protein shake” because while it does contain protein (13 grams per serving) that’s not the reason our family likes it so much. Assuming you get enough calories to eat you most likely do not need to supplement your diet with extra protein. Instead, Juice Plus+ Complete is a highly convenient “whole foods” based vegan powder blend that not only provides plenty of vitamins and minerals but also a phytonutrient boost.



JUICE PLUS+ COMPLETE 

Juice Plus+ is a 100% natural plant-based and fiber-rich “clean and green” whole foods shake that is free of animal products, dairy, gluten, wheat, yeast and artificial sweeteners. Best of all, Juice Plus+ Complete fuses whole food nutrition with fast food convenience. And let’s face it; the fact that Juice Plus+ is convenient is important. Our family is on the go a lot and Andy often finds it difficult to interrupt his busy surgical schedule to take the time to eat a full meal; Juice Plus+ complete helps keep his energy up during the busy workday. The shakes also keep our super active 11-year old son fueled up before or after his lacrosse and football practice. We just love the idea that Juice Plus+ Complete is a convenient way to get whole foods nutrition and additional phytonutrients. And finally, unlike some of the other “whole foods” shakes we have tried Juice Plus+ Complete truly tastes good too. In our book, taste is almost every bit as important as convenience!