With summer only a few months a way, many of us have started to get our bodies back into shape for sun, surf, and sand.

A noticeable health and diet fad for 2013 is juice cleansing; drinking your fruits and vegetables instead of eating them raw. The cleanse claims to help with weight loss, body detoxification and prevent everything from the flu to even cancer.

Doing some extensive research on juice cleanses, I came across many mixed reviews. Some say juice cleanses are unhealthy, a crash diet, while others claim juice cleanses helped them shed pounds and change their life around.

I even ended up on YouTube watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, a 2010 documentary on an overweight Australian who regained his health and lost 100 pounds from juice cleansing.

After much speculation, the only way to truly see the pros and cons of juice cleanses was doing one myself.

I went out and bought a Breville juicer, a bit pricey but I was told it was worth the money and was one of the best on the market (it was also used in Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Sales of the juicer actually doubled after the documentary).

The juice cleanse is basically liquid breakfast, lunch and dinner. No solid foods allowed, and herbals teas and water are your “snacks”. It was recommended to do the cleanse with a friend, so I convinced someone to try it with me; they ended up starting before me and lost 10 pounds in a seven day cleanse.

Although it’s tempting to indulge in sushi or pizza, the end result of the cleanse (if the claims are true) seem to be worth it.

The Pros

Losing as much as 20 pounds in a week on a juice cleanse is definitely a benefit for those looking to shed those last few pounds from the holidays. Seeing positive results can help us stick to a healthy diet plan and can motivate us to continue.

Another benefit of the juice cleanse is breaking food addiction. While juicing, our bodies get a break from foods that are highly processed, full of toxins, and loaded with sugar. Juice cleanses have also been known to help smokers kick the habit.

Major organs in our bodies go through a detoxification process during the cleanse, including the colon. More effective digestion happens when the intestines can better absorb nutrients. This can boost overall weight loss, improve health and help us crave healthier foods.

Elimination of larger amounts of alcohol, junk food, and cigarettes are beneficial for a healthier lifestyle. The results of the juice cleanse can lead to an improved immune system and give us more energy to exercise and do other physical activities as well.

Reported benefits: improved energy, regular bowel movements, clearer skin, and better concentration.

The Cons

Juice diets can be dangerous for people who are diabetic, have disabilities, or have health issues.

Fibre and antioxidants found in the skin of fruits and vegetables are sometimes eliminated in the juicing process.

Juice doesn’t fill everyone. Hunger pains are a big side effect-be prepared to feel super hungry the first few days.

It can get expensive. Finding a good juicer is definitely not going to be a bargain, and buying fruits and vegetables every day is not in everybody’s budget.

There is absolutely NO evidence that proves juice cleanses can prevent or treat cancer!

Reported side effects: headaches, fatigue, hunger, constipation, and lethargy.

I can’t say my results have been amazing or magical so far, but I definitely feel a difference in terms of “detoxing” and taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle. My wallet is also lighter and I could probably tell you every fruit and vegetable available at your local grocery store. Always remember to check with a doctor before partaking in any form of diet or cleanse.