Blending or juicing? They both have their own benefits and their own drawbacks too.
One of the most frequently asked questions in the kitchen would be ‘Which is better: Juicing or blending?’. Either of the two, you can still enjoy the benefits it has since what matters is that you’re getting the nutrition and vitamins that you need.
What’s the difference between juicing and blending?
In terms of preparing a drink you would want to enjoy, there could be a lot of ways you can do so. However, juicing and blending became too famous people have different opinions and they would always root for their own choices.
So before we actually debate about which one is better, let’s first try to understand the difference between the two.
Juicing is the process wherein you have to get all the solid materials included on the chosen food or product. Meaning, you will only have to get its liquid content. On the contrary, blending is almost including everything – you need to include not just the juice alone, but also the pulps.
So what’s the difference when you’re still getting the juices from both?
Well, the difference we’re talking about is actually based on what’s left from the process.
Juicing
Since you will only be getting or consuming the juice from juicing, your digestive tract won’t have to deal with solid food digestion anymore since there are no solid form fibers that are needed to be broken down in order to get the nutrition. What’s good about juicing is that if we try to think of it, the nutrition size that you will be getting gets bigger in serving size.
Most especially for individuals who have sensitive digestive system and those who are ill, juicing would actually be more convenient and conducive for them since their system won’t need to deal with breaking down the fibers anymore.
According to research, the fibers that you get from the actual produce could actually make the digestion process slower. This is why some people would want juicing over blending if they want to get the nutrients right away.
Having said, nutrients taken from juicing have the ability to enter the bloodstream right way. As a result, the sugar can then cause a rapid spike in the blood sugar levels which might be an issue if one has high blood sugar levels.
Blending
Unlike juicing, the smoothies you get from blending includes all the fibers – the pulp, the skin, and everything from the fruit or vegetable. However in blending, all the fibers will also be broken down and mixed up with the juice. This process will also make it easier for the digestive system the break down the nutrients from the produce.
Digestion wouldn’t be a problem with the produce from blending but unlike juicing, there will be a slow release of nutrients in the bloodstream since the digestive system will still have to process tha fibers.
What are the benefits of juicing and blending?
To fully understand the benefits between the two, let’s take a look at the nutrients breakdown in terms of the following:
Fiber content
Fiber is needed by the body in terms of promoting proper digestion and good health. While blending contains all the fibers, juicing may too. It’s just that juicing can only have little to no fiber content at all.
Sugar
For individuals who have issues with their sugar levels, both processes may actually have a drawback for them since both are high in sugar content. But as mentioned above, sugar taken from blended drinks have a slower impact or release of sugar in the bloodstream. While juicing on the other hand, has a rapid release of sugar into the bloodstream.
Digestion
For some individuals who are huge fans of juices, their arguments would always be juices are easier to digest. Since they contain no fibers or pulps, the digestive tract won’t have a hard time processing what one one has consumed.
But do not be fooled just yet because blending has its own benefits too. Since it includes all the fibers, fibers are needed to be digested which can help promote good digestion. Some experts also claim that fibers when broken down allow the absorption of beta-carotene in the body which is essential for good health.
Antioxidants
Some studies suggest that blending is more beneficial for the body in terms of providing it antioxidants. This is because antioxidant properties are more stored and found in pulps or fibers.
Satiety level
Since juices are just plain drinks despite all the sugar and carb content, they may not keep one satiated for a long time. Unlike blending, if we think of it, one would have a time chewing the fibers and all which is making the mind think that one is eating solid food.
So which is better? Juicing or blending?
Juicing has its benefits, yes. Since juices are much easier to consume and digest, the individual won’t have a hard time swallowing anything. However, one may be missing out some nutrients that are included in the fibers that are missing from juices.
While blending is the complete package, some individuals still don’t find the pulps appetizing on their taste.
Upon deciphering between the two, experts suggest that one can try to look after the benefits of each and then base it on one’s health goals to know which among the two is more conducive.
Blending or juicing? They both have their own benefits and their own drawbacks too. So the decision will be up to you.