The Beginner's Guide to Juicing

This probably isn’t the first time you’re hearing about juicing — it’s been talked about on podcasts, in magazines, movies, talk shows, and pretty much everywhere in between. But do you really know what juicing is or, more importantly, the benefits of it?

What is juicing?

Like its name implies, juicing is literally the process of extracting juice from fruits and vegetables. From hand-powered juicers to hydraulic press and centrifugal juicers, there’s no wrong way to juice. No matter what method you choose, you’ll be left with a drink that’s equal parts delicious and nutritious.

Why you should be juicing

For those of you new to juicing, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the difference between juicing and eating fruits and vegetables whole?” While both means provide your body with the same nutrients, juicing offers a variety of benefits.

• Quicker digestion Juicing eliminates many of the fibers found in whole fruits, which makes its nutrients more concentrated. This means it’s easier for your body to absorb and digest the vitamins and minerals found in juice. Because your body absorbs nutrients so much faster, it’s also able to detox faster.
• Juice is easier on your stomach For people with sensitive stomachs, juicing is a great way to get the nutrients from fruits and vegetables, without the harsh consequences of too much fiber.
• It’s kid-friendly If your little one is a picky eater, try juicing! Throwing not-so-kid-friendly foods like spinach and broccoli into a tasty fruit smoothie will help them reach their daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

What to know before juicing

It’s pretty clear that juicing is a great way for people of all ages to benefit from the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, but there are a few things you should know before diving head first into the world of juicing.

Juice based on your own health needs.

If you’re someone who needs a lot of fiber in their diet, juicing your fruits and vegetables may not always be the best ideas. If you’re considering getting heavily involved in juicing, you should consult with your doctor or physician first.

Juicing has been proven to be beneficial.

Though certain claims made by juicing proponents haven’t yet been substantiated by the scientific community, that doesn’t mean there’s no science behind juicing. More and more research is being done that solidifies juicing as part of a well-balanced diet, especially among those who adhere to a plant-based diet. A 2022 study found that drinking beet juice may help lower blood pressure, while carrot juice was shown to reduce white blood cell DNA damage in smokers.

Stick to the 80/20 rule.

If you’re looking to cut down on your sugar intake, always remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of your drink should be vegetables with 20% being made up of fruits.

For the best results, drink juice immediately.

Because fresh juice is so concentrated, it’s easier for it to grow bacteria if left out. That’s why experts suggest making only as much as you’re going to drink that day and to never store freshly squeezed juice for more than 24 hours.