Differences Between Juicing and Blending
Below is an informative, detailed comparison of juicing and blending. In a nutshell, juicing separates the pulp from the juice whereas blending mixes it together. There are other things to take into consideration.
Let’s take a look.
1. Soluble, Insoluble Fibers and Pulp
Juices are usually made by separating the pulp from the juice (e.g. making a fruit or vegetable juice). Blends however can be made by either squeezing fruits or vegetables in order to extract their juices and then adding them to a blender before mixing them with some liquid (e.g making a smoothie).
When Juicing
Juicing separates the pulp from the juice, the soluble fiber is present which can be easily digested and then passed into our bloodstream. The insoluble fiber however (undigestible parts of plants that our bodies cannot use) is removed along with the pulp.
When Blending
Blends work by combining all the ingredients (nothing is left out) which means that all fiber is taken by the body. Insoluble fiber is helpful when it comes to slowing down our digestion, making us feel full for longer.
2. Release Speed of Nutrients
When it comes to juicing the nutrients are released into the bloodstream almost instantly, whereas blends take some time to digest.
When Juicing
Nutrients in juices are very concentrated and they get absorbed fast by the body. This means you get a quick energy boost. Can be helpful after a workout and/or when not feeling well.
When Blending
The energy release is slower – the nutrients released from the blend take a little longer to be absorbed. Helpful if you get hungry in between meals.
3. Absorption Rates of Nutrients and Antioxidants
The nutrient and antioxidant absorption rates are much higher from juices than from blends because juices only contain the soluble fiber which is easily absorbed by our digestive system.
When Juicing
The absence of fiber means that you get a faster absorption of the vitamins and minerals into your bloodstream (the fiber would slow this process down).
When Blending
Besides nutrients being absorbed into your bloodstream at a slower rate than when you juice, some nutrients can attach to the fiber that we don’t digest and are subsequently not able to get absorbed into the blood stream. Fewer nutrients are available for the body when blending.
4. Different Types of Fruit & Veg
You can make juices and smoothies in a variety of different ways, but certain produce (the more “pulp-less” is more appropriate for juicing than for blending. The opposite also holds true (“pulp-rich” fruit and vegs are great for blending)
When Juicing
Easy to juice fruits and vegetables packed with water content. Well suited for apple, citrus fruits, celery, cucumber, berries, leafy greens and greens.
TIP: Juicing makes it easier to get all the nutrients from the plant you want to juice. The question is: What do you do with the pulp? You can use it in a variety of recipes (e.g making bread). I usually chuck the pulp to the compost, but I am aware that perhaps I should be thinking about reusing this, somehow.
When Blending
Great for fruit and vegetables like bananas, figs, avocados, coconut, dates, herbs and spices.
Cost-Effectiveness
Juices and smoothies (because they contain the juice of vegetables) are a very inexpensive way to get a healthy nutritious breakfast or snack.
Hydration
Juices and smoothies are a good way to stay hydrated, are low in calories and contain beneficial nutrients. Juicing is a healthy way to stay hydrated.
That’s It
So there you have it, a detailed look at the difference between juicing and blending. Personally, I do love my juices, but I also like to make a healthy smoothie every now and then although I find it a lot heavier to swallow and I’m not always in the mood for it.
