Do You Have The Juice?
Juicing has become increasingly common, with juice bars popping up in major cities across the nation. The health benefits of fresh pressed juices combined with the great taste, has intrigued people’s interest and educated us on ditching the popular sugar-laden drinks that line supermarket shelves. Let’s dig in to the benefits of juicing, the difference between juicing and blending(smoothies), which juicer I personally use, masticating vs. centrifugal, and lastly, I’ll share 3 of my personal favorite juices.
Juicing provides a ton of health benefits and since it bypasses the digestive process and goes straight to the blood stream, the benefits are almost instantaneous. Some benefits of juicing are:
Boosts immunity
Aids in weight loss
Gives you more energy
Helps you sleep better
Decreases allergies
Balances skin issues
Gives you healthier hair
Increases your mental, emotional, & spiritual health
When the blood stream is cleaned up and full of vitamins and minerals that are provided from whole fruits & vegetable, the body will function at maximum capacity. Popular juices in grocery stores are filled with sugars and chemicals.
Juicing vs. Blending
These two processes seem to be confusing to some and get mixed up in what benefits are provided by each. Neither is better than the other, it just depends on your preference and which one you have access to. Most homes have a blender and not a juicer. You can however blend your chosen fruits and veggies and use a cheesecloth to strain the juice. It’s a longer process, but it’s doable. Now let’s talk about the differences between the two methods.
With juicing, the juice is separated from the fiber. That’s why juicers come with a container to collect the “pulp.” This is also the reason juice gives the digestive system a rest, which is also a benefit. Juice gives your body an instant infusion of vitamins, minerals, & phytonutrients into your blood stream.
On the other hand, blending does not separate the fiber and it supports digestive health by sweeping toxins through the digestive tract and aids in regular bowel movements. You need fiber to have a bowel movement, so if this is an area of issue for you, blending (making smoothies) is the best option for you. Blending also satisfies hunger by making you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Blending also balances blood sugars.
The choice is yours. You make your decision between the two based off of your health and your resources.
Masticating vs. Centrifugal
Yes, there are different kinds of juicers on the market today. Beginner juicers usually tend to purchase centrifugal juicers (Breville, Kitchenaid) because those are what are more commonly in stores and the price tag is more appealing. The juicers give you a chance to get the hang of juicing before you decide to spend $$$ on a more expensive juicer. Masticating juicers (Omega) are a little more pricey and usually in the kitchen of more experienced or lifestyle juicers.
Masticating (Cold Pressed) Juicers
Provide the maximum nutrients because minimal heat is applied to the extraction process, retaining valuable enzymes & vitamins
Provides a refreshingly clean flavor with a crisp taste. Cold pressed juice wins most taste tests
Has a longer shelf life because the nutrients are preserved for an extended period of time (72 hours)
Gives a higher yield because it extracts 20%-30% more juice, creating less waste
With the pulp, you can make crackers, breads, muffins, or dog treats. Check out Pinterest for recipes.
Centrifugal Juicers
Centrifugal juicers break the fruits and veggies down quickly, separating them within seconds of extraction
Produces a juice with a higher solid content, resulting in a more thicker, chunky juice.
After all of this talk about juicing, I can’t leave you empty handed so here are 3 of my favorite recipes to get you started. They are DELICIOUS, even for those of you who are like me and despise beets! Keep an open mind and let juicing be your vehicle to try some fruits and vegetables that you would have never tried before. HAPPY JUICING!!!!
Green Flush
1 bunch of celery
1 bunch of dandelion root
1 whole pineapple (core included)
1 inch of ginger root
1-2 lemons
Liquid Sunshine
3 golden beets
1 whole pineapple (core included)
4 oranges
Un-beet-able
3 red beets
1 whole pineapple (core included)
1 inch of ginger root
