Juicing vs. Blending: Which is Right for You?

Juicing and blended smoothies can seem like an insignificant difference to those staring at a menu board as a one-time indulgence or as a travel habit. But for those who regularly consume these beverages for their nutritional benefit, it’s essential that you understand the difference. Juicers extract the high-fiber pulp out of the fruits and vegetables. Mixing the same ingredients in a blender creates a thicker smoothie that leaves this fiber in as part of the drink. Indeed, the fibrous pulp is what gives smoothies their telltale texture.

This difference in the content and preparation of the ingredients is easy enough for most people to understand, but you should also know about the secondary effects of extracting or retaining the pulp and its fiber.

 

Juices vs. Smoothies

• Generally, there are more highly concentrated and easily absorbed vitamins and nutrients. However, there are fewer antioxidants with the fiber removed.
• High sugar content. Can be managed by choosing low-sugar ingredients, but some juices may have more sugar than sodas
• The fiber and especially the soluble fiber will help you feel full, while also improving digestion.
• The fiber helps slow the absorption of and thus control blood sugar levels, which in turn is believed to lower the risk of heart disease.

 

What Juicing vs. Blending Means for You

• If you’re looking to lose weight quickly and don’t mind being a little hungry—to fit in a wedding dress for example—then juicing is likely a better answer.
• If you’re looking to lose and maintain a healthy weight over the long run while minimizing your food cravings, then smoothies are a better choice.
• If you like to consume quick sugars right before a rigorous exercise routine, juicing is better and won’t leave you feeling bloated during the activity.
• If you’re looking to improve your digestive system and regulate your blood sugar, blending is a better option.
• If you’re looking to get high doses of a particular nutrient, then you’ll want to juice. It’s easier for your digestive system to absorb nutrients without the fiber getting in the way. Note: Just because you juice doesn’t mean you can’t get your fiber content through the rest of your diet during other parts of the day.

 

There may be other individual health factors and goals that are believed to be affected in some way by the presence or absence of fiber in the digestive system. This resource should help answer many of the most basic questions. You can always talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about the best choice for specific health reasons.