Is Cold-Pressed Juice Worth Your Time? Is It Really Healthier And Better For You?
Thank God juicers are difficult to wash. Otherwise I’ll be juicing all day long and my body would have to deal with an overdose of fruit and vegetable extract. A glass of freshly squeezed juice might be healthy but anything more would definitely be an overkill.
Still, there’s no denying that juicers are a great invention. Better still if they are slow juicers that help to retain more vitamins and minerals.
Yet between a juicer and a blender, I’d opted the latter because it’s way easier to wash. It didn’t even bother me that the blades that heat up inevitably destroy some of the vitamins and enzymes of the ingredients.
So I continued blending smoothies for the longest time until my husband bought the Kuvings slow juicer. I was intrigued but I wasn’t very quick on the uptake. In fact, it took me a long while to warm up to using it but when I finally did, I never looked back.
Benefits of slow juicing
Many of us are probably more familiar with conventional juicers that utilizes a fast-spinning metal blade the spins against a mesh filter, separating juice from fresh via centrifugal force.
Because of the way the juice is extracted, there is more separation and oxidation. More nutrients and vitamins are inevitably lost because of the heat from the metal blade.
Slow juicers on the other hand extract juice by first crushing and then pressing the fruits and vegetables for their juice. We get the most out of the ingredients because slow juicers cold-press juice evenly and gently with the slow-speed masticating technology. No additional heat or oxygen is used in the process.
So juice extracted by a slow juicer is also known as cold-pressed juice. Not only do the juice contain more nutrients when the ingredients go through a slow juicer, there is also less oxidation and less froth (the amount of froth may vary according to the types of ingredients used). The juice turns out healthier as lesser nutrients are lost in the extraction process.
No wonder slow juicers cost so much more!
Difference between slow juicer and conventional juicer
Some of you may think the difference between the two types of juicer is negligible. Well, wait till you drink the juice extracted by a slow juicer. Not only is the color more vibrant, the taste is so pure and rich! I can’t begin to describe how satisfying it is to take small sips and savor the freshness of the fruits on your tongue. If not for the washing, I’m almost inclined to juice daily.
Still, I think it’s good that juicers are not the easiest to wash. Otherwise, I would definitely ruin my health drinking glasses and glasses of delicious juice. Having said that, I need to highlight that I find slow juicers easier to wash than conventional juicers. I think it’s because slow juicers are less messy as they are all equipped with an outlet to release the pulp.
But one thing for sure, slow juicers are quieter with less vibrations. My dog used to bark like crazy when I was using the blender or the traditional juicer. With the slow juicer, she’s hardly aware when I’m juicing.
Is juicing really better?
Yet with all the advantages found in slow juicing, I don’t juice that frequently. One question I found myself asking is, “does juicing yield any real benefits, considering we can easily eat the fruits or the vegetables?” My answer? It’s beneficial only because it helps me consume more green vegetables that I otherwise wouldn’t.
That’s why for the same reason I would not consume too much smoothie, I would not recommend juicing daily. Cold pressed juice may be healthier but it’s not advisable to drink them daily because of the large intake of fruits and vegetables with each serving.
So-called juice experts are all telling you to juice daily but unless you know the correct combination to juice, TCM practitioners will tell you drinking too much juice creates too much “cold energies” for your body.
Also, if the juices are to be tasty, more fruits are needed and that means more sugar (and calories). In this case, it’s even more important to consume juices moderately as you don’t want an overdose of sugar. Without the fiber, the sugar gets absorbed into our body even quicker.
In addition, some green vegetables many contain significant quantity of oxalates that are not safe to consume regularly in large amounts as they predispose some people to kidney stone formation.
How often to juice?
I won’t deny that juicing yields some amount of health benefits. I’d even agree it helps detoxes our body and keeps our body’s pH level healthy with more alkaline. But as with every other types of food, don’t go crazy. I’ll recommend consumption with moderation. Instead of juicing daily, maybe thrice a week would suffice.
Personally, I juice about twice a week. It involves pre-preparation and post-cleaning but it’s worth it because my entire family enjoys the output. Some of our favorite juices include oranges and carrots or pineapples, carrots, and celery. Pure grape juice is a delightful indulge too.
How to store your cold-pressed juice
Many of you are probably already aware that juices should be drank immediately. Cold pressed juice can be stored for longer but I really prefer to drink them fresh.
To prevent oxidation, add half to one lemon in your juice and store your excess juice in the fridge. The lemon will also enhance the taste of your juice and help increase nutrients absorption. But you’re better off drinking the juice the same day it’s been extracted. Try not to keep after 24 hours.
Best time to consume cold-pressed juice
Is there a best time to consume juice? If the end goal is to increase energy, I’ll say the earlier in the day the better. To get the best from your juice, you should also consume it on an empty tummy, at least half an hour before your next meal.
Closing thoughts
I won’t recommend juicing daily for health benefits unless you’re well versed in what kind of ingredients would work well for your body. However, if you’re not into juicing and are considering to, I would highly recommend you to get a slow juicer. But do note that it costs a lot more so you would want to juice more consistently. I won’t tell you what is the best slow juicer but you may want to consider one that allows you to make juice, smoothies, or even sorbets and ice cream.
Are you into cold-pressed juicing? What’s your favorite combination?
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Hi, Sesame !
Every morning I drink a cup lemon water.
I love your sharing acticle.
Wonderful post, Sesame. I know cold-pressed juices are a massive trend at the moment, however, I was wondering myself how beneficial they are to our bodies. Thank you!
Such a good post! on a hot summer day I love to try mixing some different fruits to mix it up a bit. Even know I can drink cold-pressed juice with a good healthy mind by knowing that its beneficial to my health ? Thank you for sharing the article!
Lovely post! Thank you for sharing with us ? I always get a cup of fresh pressed juice after work.
I thought I was addicted to homemade fresh pressed juice, but after reading this I see that its a good addiction.
Camilla Pedersen last post is: Noget gammelt til noget nyt.
Oh my~ I want to buy a slow juicer now ? but the price is not very “healthy” for a single girl like me. I guess I’ll buy cold-pressed juice. Thank you for sharing the post!
I am drinking pomegranate cold press juice daily from last 1 month and it’s benefits to me..
Oh really?? This is good to know about cold pressed juice. Who’d think it had such amazing benefits. I used to do that before until my girl said it could not be so healthy . I will definitely show this article and return back to my cold pressed juice
My team and I had looked at various juicers and did find the cold press was really good to extract greens but the only thing is…. they are very slow! but I guess the pro makes it a Win! which is it gets all of the nutrition out of the veggies without getting hot and burning some of it.
Hi Sesami!
Such a nice blog and useful for many. I drink 10-12 glass of water a day for my healthy skin it helps me from dehydration of my skin and keeps moisture. juice is also very important and I use pineapple and lemon juice.
These juices are good for health, looks very awesome.
Thank you for this article, Sesame! I must say that being a huge fan of homemade juices myself, you surprised me and I learned quite a few things from you. I completely agree that a slow juicer is a brilliant invention. Since I discovered this type of juicers, I have stopped using centrifugal juicers, because the slow juicers not only preserve healthy elements but also are able to process and make juice from greens, hard veggies and wheatgrass.
Haha…yes, I’m contemplating if I should just throw away my centrifugal juicer.
Such a great article you had posted. Cold pressed juice are really good for health.it refreshes both the body and mind.thanks for sharing this.keep posting this type of post. Good wishes to you.. ?
Verydelicious and nutritious drinks.