Have you ever wondered about the benefits of juices versus smoothies? Some people are diehard smoothies-for-breakfast fans, while others love a green juice to energize their day.
The main difference between juices and smoothies is the fiber content. With juices, you’re extracting the water and nutrients from the fruits and vegetables, but stripping the fiber and leaving it behind. Juices are very nutrient-dense (and can be high in sugar, depending on what fruits are added) however they do leave behind the nutrients that bind to the fiber.
For people who like to get their five-a-day in a single serving, or who need a quick energy boost, or who have trouble digesting fiber, juices are great. However, they do require a juicer (or a blender, nut-milk bag, and patience), and they can be quite expensive since they use a lot of fruit and veg for a single serving. Here are five juice recipes to try:
- Beetroot Juice
- Immune-Boosting Orange, Carrot & Ginger
- Green Apple Ginger Celery Juice
- Super-Powered Orange Juice
- Cucumber-Melon Juice
Smoothies, on the other hand, use the whole fruit or vegetable, including all the fiber – so they are more satiating than juices. Because of the high fiber content in smoothies, they also release their sugars into your system more slowly. They’re a great way to get a quick, healthy meal, and an opportunity to include several important foods (such as greens, berries, flax, and whole grains) in one go.
There are so many ways to make a great smoothie (or smoothie bowl). Here are a few options:
- Gingery Mango Berry Smoothie
- Hidden Greens Chocolate Protein Smoothie
- All Day Glow Green Smoothie
- Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
- Blueberry Pumpkin Seed Smoothie
Happy juicing and blending!
