Basic Differences Between Juices and Smoothies
Summer is in full swing and we hope you are enjoying the long days, warmer temperatures, and the chance to get outside and play in the sun. Summer is also a great time to enjoy local fruits and vegetables, and what better way to stay hydrated than by making fresh juices or smoothies? Both are refreshing, nutritious, and tasty, and can be an easy way to take in a wide variety of produce from your local farmer’s market.
The main difference between making juices and smoothies is in the type of equipment you use. A juice extractor does exactly what its name suggests. It pulls out most of the juice and nutrients from the fruits and vegetables you use, leaving behind the fibrous pulp as waste. Smoothies, on the other hand, are made in a high speed blender and you end up with a smooth, drinkable liquid that includes all of the nutrients, fiber, and pulp.
There are also some other core differences between juicing and blending. Juicers require that you use produce with high liquid content, which can be somewhat limiting. However, the nutrients are absorbed more quickly because there is no fiber to digest. This results in a quick energy boost. Juices are also beneficial as part of a digestive cleanse, and they are light and refreshing on a hot summer day.
Making smoothies allows you to use just about any combination of fruits and veggies, and the result can be a meal replacement or hearty snack. The fiber from your ingredients slows down the digestion process, which helps keep you blood sugar stable. Smoothies are also a great way to sneak healthy fruit and veggies into a palatable drink for your children or other picky eaters.
Later this month we will explore some of the benefits of both smoothies and juices, and provide some healthy recipes for you to try. For now, we will leave you with two recipes to get you started on your way to refreshing health.
Gina’s Sweet Sunshine
compliments of The Complete Book of Juicing, by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
- 1 cup green grapes
- ½ lemon, peeled
- 2 oranges, peeled
- 4 ounces sparkling mineral water
Juice the grapes first, followed by the lemon and oranges. Mix with mineral water and stir.
Light Pink Pineapple Smoothie
compliments of Simple Health
- 1 cup pineapple
- 6 leaves romaine lettuce
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 handful parsley
- 1 cup coconut water or regular water
Put ingredients in the blender in the order listed above. Blend to your desired level of consistency.
Making your own smoothies and juices is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Throughout the month we will discuss the benefits of both, and will share some healthy recipes. Keep up the good work, and enjoy these hot summer days!
Next time we will talk about the benefits of fiber, and provide some high fiber recipes to make in a juicer or smoothie machine.