Juice or Smoothies? Which is Better?

I often get asked which is better "juicing or blending" in other words "juice or smoothie"? It's a great question. My answer is both are great and there is no comparison. It's like comparing oranges to apples.

Juicing

When we hear the word juice the picture that comes to mind is of a big carton of Tropicana or similar brand juice that is loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. This has been our association with juices and it's pretty natural to question the health benefits of such juices.

But the juices that I am talking about are different. The juices I am talking about contain more vegetables and very little to no fruit. 

The key with juicing is to use at least 80-90% veggies that are low in sugar. Hence, when juicing, focus on green veggies such as celery, cucumber, kale, spinach, chard, bok choy and wheat grass. Then add high sugar vegetables little apple, pear, carrots, beets, oranges etc. in little amount. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes and grapefruit are great additions to any juice, they take away the bitterness from the greens without loading the juices with any extra sugar.

We all know that when we juice vegetables and fruits we get rid of most of the pulp or the fiber in them. This leaves us with just the nutrients and water. Our body does no work in breaking down or digesting the juices and thus the nutrients are directly absorbed by the body in a very quick and efficient way.

Juicing is an ideal thing to do while fasting or during illness or health challenges as you don’t need to use any energy to digest and assimilate the nutrients. There is lots of research that shows the healing properties of juicing. Some of the benefits of juicing are: weight loss, increased energy levels, strengthened immunity, strong bones and a glowing complexion; it may also reduce chances of heart disease, cancer and strokes, three of the leading causes of death. 

The best time to drink a juice is in the morning on an empty stomach or at least an hour before a meal. This maximizes the amount of nutrients absorbed in the body. But don't worry if you miss that window because the important thing to have a juice rather than not having one at all. 

It's best to consume a fresh pressed juice. Fresh juices not only contain greater nutritional value, they contain life. Fresh pressed juice is like drinking a natural vitamin filled with living enzymes, essential minerals, antioxidants, and natural antibiotics, which are vital for optimal health. Juice gets oxidized as soon as it comes in contact with air which compromises it's nutritional value. Refrigerating juices in a tightly sealed mason jar slows down the oxidation process but it's best to consume them the same day. 

Blending

Blending fruits and vegetables in the form of smoothies retains the fiber. Our bodies love fiber! Smoothies help us feel full longer and are also helpful in reducing cravings. If you are using more fruit then blending is a better option due to the retaining of the fiber which slows the sugar absorption. 

Green Smoothies are really in these days. They are quick and easy to make, you can add super seeds like flax, chia, hemp and maca powder and even make blended soups, which is essentially a savory smoothie that's slightly warmed. 

I personally like both juicing as well as blending. If I have a time crunch I prefer smoothies because of the convenience in preparing them. However after a vacation or just before the change of the season I prefer juicing to give my body all the nutrients from fresh vegetables and fruits that will help with my immunity.

Remember do not gulp your juice or smoothies down, swish it around your mouth and “chew” it. Blend it with saliva so it breaks down more efficiently this will also help to prevent gas and bloating.  

My husband loves shopping at farmers market. Last week he filled his cart with all types of greens and fruits. I had almost 10 lbs of produce and the best way of using these was juicing.

I got really busy washing, chopping, cutting and juicing my rainbow of veggies and got delayed in writing my post.

Hope my readers pardon me for the delay.

I got about 4-32 ounces of vegetable juice and about 16 ounces of fruit juice. The fruit juice has little greens as well but because of more fruit you don't see the greens. This is the perfect way to get some fruit and veggies in your kid’s diet. Much more nutritious and tastier than the store bought 100% fruit juices!

One of my favorite juice recipes is:

3 celery stalks

3 kale leaves

1 cucumber

handful of parsley and 

1/2-1 lemon (depending on taste)

There is no fruit in this combination but you just can't beat the taste. It truly is Delish!

Try it today. Until next time HAPPY JUICING!

Healthy Regards,

Parul