The following is part of an Organic Living Journey Guest Post Series now written by Mariana who has a mother’s heart and scientist’s brain.

Last week, we discussed quick and healthy breakfasts on the go! We’re going to continue that train pf thought and talk some more about portable nutrition: the fresh juice or smoothie!

Let’s say you want to add a little extra nutrition to your diet. Sometimes, getting “healthy” overwhelms me, because (fortunately) there are so many different ways to improve your health. Where to start? Today, we’re going to talk about one of those health-boosting options: juicing and blending! Have you tried either?

I researched both juicing and blending about a year ago before investing in a new appliance. The juicing vs. smoothies debate is confusing, because many health experts feel very strongly in favor of one or the other. Is one better than the other?

Juicing

The Equipment: you need a juicer. Not that simple, though. There are several different types of juicers: centrifugal, masticating, upright masticating, triturating juicers, wheatgrass juicers, citrus juicers, and presses. Each one handles the produce differently, has different benefits, and different price points. For example, centrifugal juicers use blades to cut up produce and then spin it around at high speeds to extract the water and nutrients. These are usually more economical (under $100), but you can’t juice greens and lose a lot of nutrients and enzymes due to oxidation. [Oxidation of nutrients means that oxygen in the air hits the nutrients and starts depleting them. This happens any time you cut or damage a fruit/vegetable. The method of damage will affect the rate of oxidation and how many nutrients stay in tact.] In contrast, masticating juicers will crush the produce slowly, removing the bulky fiber and leaving a smooth juice. The slow, gentle action retains more nutrients and enzymes, giving you a better juice. Masticating juicers can juice greens and cost around $300-400.

The Product: When you make fresh juice, you use a juicer and fresh produce. No need to peel the fruits (even pineapple), just run it through. The juicer extracts most of the water and nutrients, leaving behind a dry heap of insoluble fiber. The finished juice will vary in appearance and texture based on the fruits/veg you used and the type of juicer you have. Read More→