Wellness shots and juice cleanses are popularly known amongst many individuals. Wellness shots are miniature juices known to deliver a concentrated boost of vitamins and minerals, amongst many other benefits. Many people are fascinated by the fact that they can receive many great benefits in just a few ounces. Typically, these wellness shots are made with spices, fruits, vegetables, and much more. These small beverages have become very popular over the past years due to their convenience. Companies have done an excellent job advertising these drinks and making them appealing to the human eye. Many of these drinks come in vibrant colors, robust flavors, and active ingredients that deliver great health benefits (health.com). Delaney Bojorquez (11) tells us, “I never knew the health benefits of wellness shots, but have drunk them because of how cool and appealing they look to the eye. However, I think it is important to know exactly what they do for you before consuming them like I did.”

Many ingredients included in wellness shots are ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and vegetables, like beets, carrots, kale, celery, and much more. The ingredients used in these shots are known to contribute to healthy immune systems and have many anti-inflammatory properties. Many ingredients also have debloating ingredients, which has become a very appealing aspect to the younger generations.  Not only have wellness shots become very popular, but juice-cleansing diets and routines have also gained popularity. Although they are made with healthy ingredients, many people are beginning to view them in an unhealthy manner. These drinks should be an addition to a meal rather than a replacement. According to Kennedy Conrad (11), “I’ve heard of people who unfortunately have used juice cleansing as a way to replace meals, and I‘ve seen how they have negative effects on people. This is why I think it is important for people to understand that juice cleansing is not a form of meal replacement.”

These beverages contain vitamins and minerals that could effectively provide a health boost but are not meant to replace any meals or supplements. Food is crucial, and many daily foods that we consume contain the same properties that a wellness shot or juice would provide. By consuming wellness shots daily, we begin to ignore the natural state of food and ingredients that can be added to our everyday meals. While these juices or wellness shots can contribute to our diet once in a while, we are better off just including the same ingredients in the meals we cook or consume (OSU Wexner Medical Center). 

Wellness shots are generally safe to consume, but some juices or shots can include the ingredient “ginseng,” which can often interfere with some medical prescriptions or medications. It is important to understand and be aware of what we put into our bodies before putting it in us. Oftentimes, these juices and shots contain added sugars or have a high sugar content, although they are marketed as very healthy. Many often opt to make their juices and shots if they consume them, so they are aware of what exactly is entering their body. Many health professionals and departments of health suggest that people have a well-balanced diet rather than resorting to alternatives just because they are easy and convenient (OSF Healthcare). 

This is not to say that wellness shots and juices should not be consumed, but they should be consumed in moderation. It is important to remember that incorporating these ingredients into meals is much healthier than getting them from a beverage. Juice cleanses should not replace diets or meals but rather can be used to enhance the diet. Wellness shots should not be used to replace vegetables or key ingredients to help your immune system, but instead be consumed on days when you feel that you did not consume enough of some ingredients. Overall, these wellness shots and juices are healthy as long as you consume them righteously and have them in moderation.