Juicing Vs. Blending: Which is Better?

Juicing and blending have become very popular over the last few years. However, some of you may still be confused about their differences and benefits. Each method has its own unique perks, but both provide ways to incorporate nutrition-packed produce into your diet. I like to refer to both methods as a “supplement” to a balanced diet- almost as you would think of taking a vitamin. Neither method is meant to replace a meal.

Juicing

Juicing is the process of extracting juice from fruits or vegetables. The juice can be extracted using any one of a growing number of juicing machines, which range from hand juicers to high-tech juicers.

Pros of juicing

1. Although fresh juice contains the same nutrients as the original fruit and vegetables, the juicing process removes fibers making the juice more concentrated, and the nutrients easier to digest and absorb into the bloodstream.
2. A variety of fruits or vegetables can be juiced, allowing you to get in a heap of nutrients and vitamins in a short amount of time.
3. Juicing also allows to be adventurous with what produce you consume.

Cons of juicing

1. Not everyone can process this high amount of nutrients in one sitting.
2. Timing is key! The nutrient-rich liquid needs to be consumed immediately after juicing to maximize the health benefits.
3. Juicing is not intended for weight loss. In fact, it may cause weight gain if not balanced properly.
4. Juicing machines tend to be bulky, expensive and time consuming to clean.

Blending

Blending is defined as liquefying whole fruits and vegetables by chopping them very finely with blades and spinning at very high speed. The result is a pulpy puree-like drink, which is a smoothie.

Pros of blending

• You get fiber included in your drink. To your body, this is like eating your fruits/vegetables.
• A fibrous drink means a lessened or slower sugar spike after consumption.
• Any produce can be blended- including the small items that a juicer could not handle.

Cons of blending

1. Since the fiber is included, it takes more effort for nutrient absorption and less nutrients are absorbed.
2. During blending, air gets trapped in the drink, making it “fluffy”. The air, together with the pulp may cause gas or bloating in some people.

You feel fuller faster which means a possibility of consuming fewer nutrients.

Join us for Farmers Market Tours on June 3 and 10!

Join Touro Dietitian Julie Fortenberry, RD, for a hands-on Farmer’s Market tour on both Saturday, June 3 at 750 Carondelet St. and Tuesday, June 6 at 200 Broadway St. Learn the concept of “farm to table”, how you can shop local, eat healthy and incorporate fresh ingredients into your daily meals without breaking the bank. Go to touro.com/events to register!

Julie Fortenberry is a registered dietitian at Touro Infirmary. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Southern Mississippi. Julie believes that lifestyle changes and wholesome nutrition are obtainable, and brings real-life understanding to wellness and nutritional counseling.