Juicing vs Blending? Which one is better?

This is a question that we get asked all the time. Which is better: juicing or blending? Does one offer more health benefits than the other? Juices and smoothies both play an important role in any wellness program and we discuss the benefits of each in both of our films, Food Matters and Hungry For Change. We believe that both juicing and blending are very beneficial, but in different ways.

Here is a short comparison that explains the differences between the two as well as some of the specific benefits of each.

What’s The Difference?

JUICING 

Juicing is a process which extracts water and nutrients from produce and discards the indigestible fiber. Without all the fiber, your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the food and absorb the nutrients. In fact, it makes the nutrients more readily available to the body in much larger quantities than if you were to eat the fruits and vegetables whole.

This is especially helpful if you have a sensitive digestive system or illness that inhibits your body from processing fiber. The fiber in produce helps slow down the digestive process and provides a steady release of nutrients into the blood stream. Jason Vale calls juicing "A nutrient express!"

Freshly squeezed vegetable juices form part of most healing and detoxification programs because they are so nutrient rich and nourish and restore the body at a cellular level.

A word of caution: When you remove the fiber from the produce, the liquid juice is absorbed into your blood stream quickly. If you are only juicing fruits, this would cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and unstable blood sugar levels can lead to mood swings, energy loss, memory problems and more!

Fiber is also filling and without fiber in the juice, some people tend to get hungry again quickly.

BLENDING

Unlike juices, smoothies consist of the entire entire fruit or vegetable, skin and all and contain all of the fiber from the vegetables. 

However, the blending process breaks the fibre apart (which makes the fruit and vegetables easier to digest ) but also helps create a slow, even release of nutrients into the blood stream and avoids blood sugar spikes. Smoothies tend to be more filling, because of the fiber, and generally faster to make than juice, so they can be great to drink first thing in the morning as your breakfast, or for snacks throughout the day. 

By including the fiber in your smoothie, the volume will increase. Also, you can pack more servings of fruits and veggies into a single serving of juice than you can into a smoothie.

Juicing and Blending Rules1. It’s best not to combine fruits and vegetables (unless it’s apple). This can affect how well your digestive enzymes function. 

This doesn’t seem to matter too much in green juices and smoothies, but vegetables like carrots, beetroots, broccoli and zucchini don’t combine well with fruit due to their high starch content. In his book Food Combining Made Easy, Dr. Herbert Shelton explains that starchy foods have to be eaten alone because starches are digested with enzymes different from those used for any other food group. Combining starchy foods with fruit may cause fermentation and gas. However, Dr. Shelton found that green leafy veggies combine well with pretty much everything.

2. Try to drink your juice or smoothie straight away. After 15 minutes, light and air will destroy much of the nutrients. If you can’t drink it straight away, transfer to a dark airtight container until you’re ready.

Using The Right EquipmentTo get the most benefit from your juices and smoothies, it’s important to use the right equipment. Invest in a good-quality juicer. Cheaper, centrifugal juicers introduce heat and oxygen and destroy the enzymes and nutrients in your fruits and vegetables. While it may cost you a bit more initially, a premium cold-press juicer will produce a superior-quality juice and allow you to extract more from your fruit and vegetables, saving expense in the long-term. 

The machines themselves will also generally last longer. In contrast to the rough extraction of centrifugal juicers, mastication or cold-press juicers compress fruit and vegetables to ‘squeeze’ out their juice.

The same goes for a blender. You want a blender that is gentle on your produce and doesn’t heat up the enzymes as it’s pulling apart the fibres. We spend money on gadgets, clothes, restaurants and other luxuries so, if you can afford it, investing in your health by buying a quality juicer or blender is totally worth it.

The Alkaline Diet, Balancing Your Body's pH for Better Health

To maintain healthy diet, it should consist of 60% alkaline foods i.e. alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods. To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.

Generally, alkaline foods (alkaline forming foods) include: most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices, herbs and seasonings, and seeds and nuts.

Generally, acid forming foods include: meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, grains, and legumes.

Ranked Foods:Alkaline Foods to Acidic Foods

Highly Alkaline Forming Foods

Lemons, limes, watermelon, Cantaloupe, Baking soda, sea salt, pumpkin seed, sprouted lentils, seaweed, kelp, sea vegetables, onion, taro root, lotus root, sweet potato, nectarine, persimmon, dates, figs, mango, papaya, parsley, raspberry, tangerine, and pineapple, celery, seedless grapes (sweet), watercress. These are the best alkaline foods

Moderately Alkaline Forming Foods

Apples (sweet), alfalfa sprouts, apricots, avocados, bananas (ripe), currants, dates, figs (fresh), garlic, grapefruit, herbs (leafy green), leafy green lettuce, nectarine, peaches, pears, peas (fresh, sweet), pumpkin (sweet), beans (fresh, green), beets, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carob, cauliflower, ginger (fresh) , oranges, peaches (less sweet), peas (less sweet), potatoes (with skin), pumpkin (less sweet), strawberries, squash, sweet Corn (fresh), turnip, vinegar (apple cider). kiwifruit, passion fruit, pineapple, raisins, umeboshi plums, and vegetable juices.

Apricots, spices, kambucha, unsulfured molasses, soy sauce, pepper, parsnip, garlic, asparagus, kale, parsley, endive, arugula, mustard green, ginger root, grapefruit, olive, carrots and mango are also good alkaline foods.

Low Alkaline Forming Foods

Most herbs, green tea, mu tea, apple cider vinegar, sake, quail eggs, primrose oil, sesame seed, cod liver oil, almonds, sprouts, potato, bell pepper, mushrooms, cauliflower, rutabaga, ginseng, eggplant, pumpkin, collard green, pear, avocado, apples (sour), blackberry, cherry, peach, and papaya.

Almonds, artichokes, cherries, coconut (fresh), cucumbers, eggplant, honey (raw), leeks, mushrooms, okra, olives (ripe), onions, pickles (homemade), radishes, sea salt, spices, tomatoes (sweet).

Chestnuts (dry, roasted), goat's milk and whey (raw), olive oil, sesame seeds (whole), soy beans (dry), soy cheese, soy milk, sprouted grains, tofu, tomatoes (less sweet), and yeast (nutritional flakes).

Very Low Alkaline Forming Foods

Ginger tea, umeboshi vinegar, ghee, oats, quinoa, japonica rice, wild rice, avocado oil, most seeds, olive oil, flax oil, brussel sprout, beet, chive, cilantro, celery, okra, turnip greens, squashes, orange, banana, blueberry, raisin, currant, grape, and strawberry.

Very Low Acid Forming Foods

Curry, koma millet, kasha, amaranth, brown rice, pine nuts, canola oil, spinach, fava beans, black-eyed peas, string beans, wax beans, zucchini, chutney, rhubarb, coconut, guava, dry fruit, figs, and dates.

Low Acid Forming Foods

Vanilla, balsamic vinegar, cow milk, aged cheese, soy cheese, goat milk, spelt, teff, kamut, farina, semolina, white rice, almond oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, tapioca, seitan, tofu, pinto beans, white beans, navy beans, red beans, aduki beans, lima beans, chard, plum and tomatoes.

Moderately Acid Forming Foods

Milk protein, cottage cheese, barley, corn, rye, oat bran, pistachio seeds, chestnut oil, lard, pecans, green peas, peanuts, snow peas, other legumes, garbanzo beans, and pomegranate.

Bran, butter, cereals (unrefined), crackers (unrefined rye, rice and wheat), cranberries, dried beans (mung, adzuki, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), dry coconut, egg whites, eggs whole (cooked hard), fructose, honey (pasteurized), ketchup, maple syrup (unprocessed), milk (homogenized). most nuts, mustard, oats (rye, organic), olives (pickled), pasta (whole grain), pastry, and wheat bread (sprouted organic).

Highly Acid Forming Foods

Artificial sweeteners, All meats, pork, poultry, fish, seafood, beer, wine, liquor, processed cheese, fried foods, breads, sugar, carbonated soft drinks, cereals (refined), cigarettes and tobacco, coffee, tea (black), flour (white, wheat), jams, jellies, maple syrup (processed), molasses (sulphured), pasta (white), pastries and cakes from white flour, pickles (commercial), white bread, vinegar and yogurt(sweetened). 

Creamy Avocado Breakfast Juice

Yield: 4 cups
1 long cucumber
2 stalks celery
1 lemon peeled
2 thumbs of fresh ginger (more if  you like it hot like me)
1 firm green pear
10-12 fresh spinach leaves
1/2 crown broccoli
1 avocado
3 drops liquid stevia, optional

Method
In a Juicer, juice the cucumber, celery, lemon, ginger and pear.  Pour this juice in a high speed blender with the spinach, broccoli and avocado and blend til creamy and smooth.  If you wish, sweeten just a tad more with a few drops of stevia.  Enjoy with a straw and share or pack the 2nd glass for mid morning or for lunch.  *note: If you can learn to enjoy the green juice without the pear or stevia, this is ideal for alkalizing and is mandatory for anyone who is not well and is working to eliminate symptoms.

5 GREEN SMOOTHIE TIPS

1. For the best ratio, follow the 60/40 formula. For example: 3 cups fruit, 2 cups dark leafy greens, 1-2 cups of water. Makes 32-40 oz or 4-5 cups.

2. If bitter or too “green tasting,” add an extra dose of nature’s sweetener.Sometimes, smoothies can taste a little bitter or overpowering from the leafy greens. To fix this, just add a natural sweetner such as bananas, mango, apples, pears or pitted dates. 

3.For optimal nutrient content, drink your smoothie right away. Fresh is always best, but sometimes you will have leftovers. Store in airtight containers, like a mason jar with lid, to limit oxidation (which breaks down nutrients and changes the color.) You can keep green smoothies in the fridge for 24 – 48 hours.

4.Change up your liquid base from time to time. Water is a great base for green smoothies, but it’s nice to change it up and incorporate more nutrients and vitamins occassionally. Coconut water is low in fat and calories, yet high in potassium, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. For a more creamy texture, add unsweetened nut milks to your smoothies like almond milk or coconut milk, which are packed with bone-building calcium and vitamin E.

5.Want your green smoothie to be extra chilly? Freeze your favorite fruits like ripe bananas, grapes, pineapple or berries. This is also a great way to not waste ripe fruits and veggies. 

Going green smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup (160g) green grapes
1/2 cup (78g) pineapple chunks
2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, packed
1/2 ripe banana, peeled
1/2 cup (120ml) water
1/2 cup (120ml) ice cubes

Method:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Secure lid and blitz on high for one minute.
3. Serve immediately over ice.

GREEN SMOOTHIES

Green Smoothies are a simple way to incorporate large amounts of greens into your diet. Did you know that leafy greens have more valuable nutrients than any other food group? They contain high-quality amino acids, important minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals also known as phytonutrients). Phytochemicals keep your body’s immune system and body functioning properly, improve health and longevity, and may reduce life- threatening diseases. 

5 REASONS WE LOVE GREEN SMOOTHIES 1. Natural energy booster
2. Natural weight loss drink
3. Simple way to boost your immune system
4. Full of disease-fighting antioxidants
5. Hands down— The best fast food “One of the most delicious and nutritious superfoods in a cup.” — Underground Health Reporter 
What are green smoothies and what’s in it?

We know how hard it can be to get in the daily recommended dose of leafy greens— and we believe green smoothies are the answer. These plant-based drinks are packed with leafy greens, fruits and a liquids… and they taste delicious!

Simple Green Smoothie recipes are easy to make: all you need is a blender, some leafy greens, fruit and water. Incorporating spinach, kale and other super greens into smoothies is a simple way to give your body nutrients it craves.

We like our smoothies as clean and nature-based as possible, which means we try to buy
organic produce, and avoid processed sugars and dairy in our smoothies. We occasionally add coconut water, unsweetened nut milks and superseeds to our green smoothies for added flavor and beneficial nutrients, like protein, calcium and potassium. Feel free to experiment and find what works for you!

All you need is a blender, an open mind, and a willingness to drink your veggies!

BEGINNER’S LUCK GREEN SMOOTHIE

Serves 2 Ingredients
2 cups spinach, fresh (tightly packed)
2 cups water
1 cup mango
1 cup pineapple
2 bananas
TIP 1: Remember to get the smoothest smoothie and to avoid leafy chunks, blend your greens and liquid first, then add the remaining fruits.

TIP 2: Use at least one frozen fruit to make the green smoothie cold.

TIP 3: If you aren’t a big fan of bananas, feel free to substitue for another fruit. You can even freeze the bananas first to reduce the flavor and also add some extra chill to your smoothie.

Hottest Prom Dress Trends 2013

You have probably already started looking through fashion magazines, stores and blogs in search for inspiration for your dream prom dress. This season just like the previous ones peplum, high neckline and rich embellishment are going to be popular in the prom dress fashion. However, in case you want to demonstrate your wild nature, consider opting for dresses from Anti-Prom Lookbook by Nasty Gal. Let’s find out how to wear the key prom dress trends 2013 for the die-for looks that will make everyone’s jaws drop.

Key Prom Dress Trends 2013

Lace 
There is no a better way to add femininity, sensuality and delicateness to your look than lace. If you are looking for an utterly sweet dress, consider opting for one-color dress. In case you want to bring drama and style to your look, opt for the dress with lace in contrasting color, for instance, the classy black and white combination.

Zara Bridal Black and White Lace Prom Dress

Sequin-Embellished Bustier 
Even though we used to think that more embellishment is better when it comes to the ideal prom dress, try not to overload your outfit with the decorative elements. Rather than opting for a dress with overall embellishment, consider going for the one with ornate top only. Remember, you are the one who are supposed to be in the spotlight, not your dress.

Zara Bridal Sequin-Embellished Bustier Prom Dress

Peplum

You shouldn’t be necessarily thin for wearing a peplum mini dress to your prom since it looks flattering on girls with different body types. Besides allowing flashing your legs, peplum gives an impression of a beautiful hourglass figure.

ASOS Peplum Dress 

Asymmetrical Neckline 
Try to introduce something unusual into your prom outfit. For instance, choose a dress with asymmetrical neckline instead of the regular one: it won’t change your look tremendously, but still add an interesting twist to it and accentuate your curves.

Wedding Dresses Mall Asymmetrical Neckline Prom Dress

Flapper Dress with Vintage Feel 
Embrace one of the best periods in US by wearing the flapper dress with intricate detailing and playful fringe for your prom night. In fact, vintage is timeless and utterly chic, so you will be able to wear it a few times.

Unique Vintage Flapper Prom Dress

Cutouts 
What could be more intriguing than flashing naked body at unexpected places? Just keep in mind that this is a school event and stay away from the dresses that show too much.

Urban Outfitters Cutout Prom Dress

Chiffon 
A layer of chiffon can to add a touch of chic and elegance to your prom dress and make it look like a red carpet-appropriate attire. Consider opting for the bottom that is higher at the front and lower at the back, which still remains a trendy option, or wear a dress with an illusion skirt.

Raining Blossoms Chiffon Trail Dress

Ombre 
Dresses with ombre effect are a perfect chance to stand out from the crowd without going overboard. In fact you may look bold on your prom night without opting for a dress with unusual silhouette or wild prints. The related hues like purple and pink or green and yellow will bring a romantic touch to your outfit, while contrasting colors of black and red are ideal for adding an edgy feel.

JSSHAN Collection Prom Dress with Ombre Effect