Juicing vs. Blending...Which is Healthier?

One of the most common questions I hear as a nutritionist is…which is healthier, juicing or blending? Well, they are both super healthy and neither is ‘healthier’…however, each has properties the other doesn’t and are better for you depending on what you are trying to achieve.
Firstly, what is juicing?
Juicing is the process of extracting water and nutrients from fruits and veggies while separating and tossing the digestible fiber. Without the fiber, your body doesn’t have to digest much and simply absorbs all the nutrients. Keep in mind that the nutrients will enter the blood stream very quickly and will cause a spike in blood sugar if you are using a lot of fruit. Spikes in blood sugar can cause moodiness, headaches or hunger and cravings when blood sugar dips back down.
What is blending?
Blending is mixing the whole fruit or veggie with water or other fluid to create a type of purée. When blended, the nutrients and fiber are broken down and made much easier to digest. The fiber allows for the slower, more even release of nutrients into the bloodstream and helps avoid rapid blood sugar spikes and dips. The fiber is the bulk of the fruit and veggies, so it will help you feel fuller for a longer amount of time.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Juicing:
-You get a ‘shot’ of nutrients from more fruits and veggies than you would be able to eat if they were whole
-Great boost of nutrients when you are sick, better than vitamins!
-Great for people sensitive to fiber
-Instant energy boost, like a cup of coffee or energy drink, but much better for you
-Almost no digestion is necessary so your digestive system gets a break
Cons of Juicing:
-Not always a good idea for diabetics, as it can cause a spike in blood sugar.
-Removes almost all of the fiber and 10-20% of the antioxidants
-High quality juicers are expensive and prepared juices can run $6-$13 a pop (ouch!)
-Cleaning juicers is usually pretty time consuming
Pros of Blending:
-Keeps you feeling fuller, longer
-Lowers your LDL (bad cholesterol)
-Detox your system. Since most of the fiber is insoluble, it passes though your gut and takes the toxins with it.
-Prevents and relieves constipation. Fiber helps you poop regularly, therefore, fiber is good :)
-Only a little bit of digestion is necessary so your digestive system takes it easy
-Gives you a steady stream of energy, great for long days of chasing after kids
-High quality blenders are cheaper than juicers ($60-$110 can get you something pretty decent, like a NutriBullet)
-Takes less time and has less clean-up than juicers…and all MomMes can appreciate that!
Cons of Blending:
-Can cause gas or bloating if you are not used to consuming so much fiber
-Cheaper blenders get pretty hot and can start to kill off nutrients and enzymes.
Bottom Line:
DRINK BOTH! Mix it up, have a smoothie when you are feeling hungry and opt for a juice when you seem to be dragging your feet and would normally have a coffee. Most of us don’t get enough veggies… both juicing and blending allows you to DRINK YOUR VEGGIES in a way that tastes and feels good! It’s a WIN no matter what you choose!
Allya Orlov is a Certified Health Coach and the Founding LA Valley MomMe. She provides nutrition, fitness and wellness counseling, specializing in pre and post natal nutrition. She offers private sessions with the goal of bringing health, harmony and balance to both mother and child. If you are looking for some help to have a healthier pregnancy or are trying to get back into your pre-baby jeans, then it’s time to call her! All Club MomMe fans get a FREE initial consultation! Book your free session today at ww.OrganicLifeWellness.com