In a previous article we explored the benefits of juicing - this time we look at smoothies. In reality – when we smoothie – the cell walls are broken down – similar to juicing – but the fibre is left in. This is great to help bulk out our digestive tract and our bowel movement. Sadly, some of the nutrients stay with the fibre and are passed through the body into the pan. The nutrients have to be digested and so it can take longer to feel the benefits of them. If you are lacking fibre in your diet – then a smoothie is a great addition – helping to provide fibre to aid the body eliminate waste and toxic matter.
When making smoothies, I suggest you do not add fats, too many fancy powders or other hard to digest nutrients – keep it simple and keep the number of flavours used low (so it does not become muddy). Use greens and a few roots – keep sweetness to a minimum. Just because a sugar is natural it does not mean it will not affect you - a sugar spike can happen on maple syrup, agave or too many sweet fruits.
If you are about to go out and buy a smoothie maker – beware of the number of products that are on the market claiming to make both juices and smoothies. Simple mini blenders where you add water to the ingredients that then create a lumpy watery colourful liquid can take a lot of effort to consume and is actually a watery smoothie – not a juice. If it is blended it is a smoothie (or a soup) it is not a juice!
When making a smoothie, do add an ice-cube or two to help keep the enzymes cool and fresh.
So, which one do you choose – it is really up to you – if you are short of time, you may choose to make a smoothie 5 days a week and juice at weekends, if you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, you may feel the investment of your time is worth the return you should receive later.
Juices should ideally be drank within a few hours of making, whereas smoothies should be drank ideally within 24 hours
Juices clear toxins from the cells, smoothies help eliminate toxins from the body
Juices are more costly to make, smoothies cheaper (in general)
Juices require little energy to utilize the nutrients; smoothies require more energy as they are a little harder to digest.
Do make a point of chewing both your juices and smoothies. I agree – you will attract odd looks chewing a drink. When we chew, we release more digestive enzymes - so chewing is a signal to start digesting. When the smoothie or juice reaches the stomach, the body is ready to start work and help you make the most of your food, and we all appreciate a little help.
So get busy in the kitchen with green juices and smoothies and be super fit and nourished to make the most of your day :)
When making smoothies, I suggest you do not add fats, too many fancy powders or other hard to digest nutrients – keep it simple and keep the number of flavours used low (so it does not become muddy). Use greens and a few roots – keep sweetness to a minimum. Just because a sugar is natural it does not mean it will not affect you - a sugar spike can happen on maple syrup, agave or too many sweet fruits.
If you are about to go out and buy a smoothie maker – beware of the number of products that are on the market claiming to make both juices and smoothies. Simple mini blenders where you add water to the ingredients that then create a lumpy watery colourful liquid can take a lot of effort to consume and is actually a watery smoothie – not a juice. If it is blended it is a smoothie (or a soup) it is not a juice!
When making a smoothie, do add an ice-cube or two to help keep the enzymes cool and fresh.
So, which one do you choose – it is really up to you – if you are short of time, you may choose to make a smoothie 5 days a week and juice at weekends, if you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, you may feel the investment of your time is worth the return you should receive later.
Juices should ideally be drank within a few hours of making, whereas smoothies should be drank ideally within 24 hours
Juices clear toxins from the cells, smoothies help eliminate toxins from the body
Juices are more costly to make, smoothies cheaper (in general)
Juices require little energy to utilize the nutrients; smoothies require more energy as they are a little harder to digest.
Do make a point of chewing both your juices and smoothies. I agree – you will attract odd looks chewing a drink. When we chew, we release more digestive enzymes - so chewing is a signal to start digesting. When the smoothie or juice reaches the stomach, the body is ready to start work and help you make the most of your food, and we all appreciate a little help.
So get busy in the kitchen with green juices and smoothies and be super fit and nourished to make the most of your day :)
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