Which is Healthier: Juicing or Smoothies?

Which Is Healthier: Juicing or Smoothies?
Which Is Healthier: Juicing or Smoothies?

By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., Nutrition Editor, EatingWell Magazine

Juicing and smoothies are all the rage right now. While both can boost your fruit and vegetable intake (something most Americans need to do) and are great for getting a variety of produce into your diet, one is the better choice.

That's the smoothie. Why? Juicing leaves behind a pulp--which contains fiber and nutrients that you end up tossing away--and thus you lose most of the benefits of whole fruits and vegetables. Blending produce into a smoothie, however, preserves fiber--and a smoothie can deliver an extra boost of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals because it often includes fruit skins and pith. If your smoothie includes yogurt or milk, you get some calcium too. Blending, however, introduces oxygen and sometimes heat, which will knock out a little vitamin C and some B vitamins. (No big deal really, as most of us get plenty of C and produce isn't a top source of the most sensitive B vitamins.) Add these 6 ingredients to your smoothie to make it super-healthy.

Smoothie-lovers beware, though: smoothies can easily turn into high-calorie, sugar-delivery devices if they include sweetened yogurt, sweetened juice, sorbet, frozen yogurt or ice cream (that's called a milkshake, folks)--and, sadly, many made-to-order and bottled smoothies include these ingredients. Find out which fast-food smoothies are the best nutritionally (and learn which to avoid).

Bottom line: DIY smoothies reign supreme--you know what you're getting or, for that matter, not getting. But they are no substitute for whole fruits and vegetables in your diet because it's easier to take in more calories when you drink instead of eat them. Thus, the Produce for Better Health Foundation recommends no more than 8 to 12 ounces of blended or juiced produce daily.

Don't Miss: How To Make A Healthy Smoothie: Best Smoothie Ingredients & 10 To Ditch

What are your favorite smoothie ingredients?

By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D.

Brierley Wright
Brierley Wright

Brierley's interest in nutrition and food come together in her position as nutrition editor at EatingWell. Brierley holds a master's degree in Nutrition Communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. A Registered Dietitian, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont.


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