So what's the deal? You throw a bunch of produce into a container that magically breaks it all down, and now you are the beacon of health because you can drink all of said-produce in a matter of minutes. Juicer, blender — same result, right? It's all just liquified in the end. To many, juicing and blending seem pretty interchangeable, while they actually utilize two pretty different methods of breaking up food.
First of all, why does it even matter so much? Why bother?
The goal is to detoxify the body and give the digestive system a rest while fighting inflammation and other chronic conditions. It's actually a great way to pack in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in one refreshing drink.
Below are some key differences to note when deciding between the two:
Juicing
Pulp + Insoluble Fibers
juicers separate pulp from juice, leaving soluble fiber — aka the juice — which is more easily digested and passed into the bloodstream
allows digestive system to exert its energy on ridding the body of built-up waste and toxins
Nutrient Release Speed
nutrients are highly concentrated in juices, allowing for quick and easy absorption
faster nutrient release may be helpful to giving a quick boost of energy before/after exercise or to quickly replenish nutrients when not feeling well
Nutrient + Antioxidant Absorption Rate
since there is no fiber in juices to slow down absorption process, all nutrients and antioxidants go directly in bloodstream
Produce Requirements
large volume of produce can go into one 16 oz juice, allowing you to pack a higher volume of produce more easily
When considering different types of juicers, options include: centrifugal, masticating, and twin.
Blending
Pulp + Insoluble Fibers
blenders combine all ingredients — whole fruits and veggies are blended so all fiber goes into your body; insoluble fiber helps slow digestion, which keeps you full longer
Nutrient Release Speed
insoluble fibers allow for slower, more sustained energy release, which is helpful when looking to curb appetite between meals or keep blood sugar balanced
Nutrient + Antioxidant Absorption Rate
some nutrients in smoothies attach to the indigestible fiber and are shuttled out of the body, leaving fewer nutrients to be absorbed
Produce Requirements
certain produce — like avocados, bananas, and figs — can’t be juiced, but can be blended easily
High-power blenders especially have high spinning blades that generate enough friction and heat to cook soups and veggies. They're ideal for creating fruit and veggie smoothies without separating the fiber.
Aside from the nutritional components, cost is another important factor. Juicers are the more expensive pick here. In general, blenders/smoothies are more cost-effective since they require less produce. That said, some people will get such great health benefits from juicing that it's worth the investment. Of course, as the nature of nutrition science goes, there's really no one right, general answer. So hone in on what works best for your needs, and don't be afraid to experiment!
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