About a week and half ago I listened to a webinar on juicing by my colleague, Tara Gidus. I had told you that I was going to post the notes from this and I'm just now getting to it. So sorry! Here is what you need to know about juicing.
Why Juice?
- Juicing is an easy way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Juices are very easily absorbed by the body.
- Juices are "live food" meaning that all the enzymes are present. Pasteurization can damage many enzymes and nutrients in commercial juices. These enzymes have health benefits.
- Juicing gives you total control - no artificial ingredients, colorings, or sweeteners.
Types of Juicers
- Citrus juicers - the most basic type and only for oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes
- Centrifugal juicers - the most common home use juicer
- Triturating Juicer - utilizes a slower motor.
- Masticating Juicer - utilizes a faster motor
- Blender
Here is a link for a Consumer Reports article on types of juicers.
Things to Know
- Juicing does concentrate sugar from fruits but it comes with wonderful nutrients too. Commercial juices have added sugar where home juices have no added sugar.
- Fresh juice is best consumed immediately but can last up to 24 hours in refrigeration.
- Wheat grass requires an advanced, professional grade juicer.
- Juice should not be the main the source of food in your diet but rather a way to increase produce consumption.
- Leftover pulp from juicing can be used for compost or thrown into a smoothie for added fiber.
Techniques and Tips
- Wash all produce thoroughly before juicing.
- Use seasonal produce for the most nutrients.
- Experiment with fresh herbs and spices.
So now I must ask, do you juice? Will you juice? Have you been thinking about juicing? Please comment with your thoughts.
As a nutritionist, I'm always recommending people who otherwise don't consume a lot of fruit and vegetables to start juicing. It's a great way of getting the essential nutrients and vitamins you need, and it can be fun inventing your own drinks as well.
Posted by: James Freeman | 01/13/2013 at 05:32 AM