About 5 years ago I purchased a cold pressed juicer and I have been a fan of freshly pressed juices, particularly green ones, ever since. I am all about getting the best concentration of goodness in the simplest way possible, with the large amount of vitamins a fresh organic juice provides I was instantly sold on the idea. However more recently I have reverted back to smoothies, firstly because a blender is easier to clean than my juicer and a smoothie provides the fiber which a pressed juice is lacking. Neither one is better than the other, a combination of both is the best way forward, but what’s the difference?
JUICING
A cold-press juicer extracts the water and nutrients from our fruit and vegetables before discarding the fiber.
Without the fiber our digestive system absorbs the nutrients more efficiently, thus providing the body with a large amount of vitamins much faster. In my opinion juicing is most beneficial when using green vegetables, without the fiber sugar in fruit will send the blood sugar rising before the inevitable comedown.
BLENDING
Unlike juicing, smoothies contain the juice and fiber of the entire fruit and vegetable.
Because the blender breaks the fiber into micro-fine pieces, it is much easier for the digestive system to process when compared to eating whole. It also aids a slow and consistent release of nutrients into the blood stream. Smoothies are great for breakfast or snacks as they are more filling than juices. I like to add some coconut oil, avocado and almond milk to the mix and a handful of nuts is also good.
THE VERDICT
Juicing works best with green leafy vegetables and ensures a concentrated dose of vitamins. It’s best to buy organic, use a cold-press juicer and drink up straight away for the maximum benefits.
With the benefit of fiber when combining fruit’s such as banana or strawberry’s you can add some omega oil, avocado or seeds to increase the goodness in your smoothie. All in all juicing and blending offer separate benefits and incorporating both into your diet is a good idea.
HERE IS A TASTY GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE.
– 1/2 of a banana
– 1/2 of an avocado
– 1/2 of a pear
– a handful of spinach
– 100ml unsweetened almond milk
– 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
