You've probably seen slow juicer ads on social media and read articles by nutrition experts explaining their benefits. You might tempt to get one to help your family reach daily fruit and vegetable intake goals. But when you browse online stores, all the choices can be overwhelming. You likely have questions and want more information to help you choose the right one. That's why we've put together 10 facts you might not know about slow juicers—to give you the insights you need to make an informed chioce.
Topics Today:
· Is a slow juicer the same as a blender?
· Why is using a slow juicer better than buying bottled juice?
· Are all slow juicers the same?
· Is slow juicer an expensive investment?
· Is a slow juicer a healthier option?
1. Is a slow juicer the same as a blender?
Blenders use fast-spinning blades to chop fruits and vegetables, resulting in a thick mixture that includes lots of pulp and leafy bits. A slow juicer, on the other hand, uses a low-speed auger to gradually press juice from produce. This minimizes heat and oxidation, producing juice that’s smoother, more refined, and retains a fresher taste.
2. Why is using a slow juicer better than buying bottled juice?
Freshness is key to juice’s nutritional value. Studies show that homemade juice retains more nutrients and antioxidants compared to bottled juices. Bottled juices, for the sake of shelf life and taste, often contain preservatives, added sugars, and flavors that can interfere with the body’ s natural metabolism. Excess sugar intake has been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, making freshly made juice a much healthier choice.
3. Are all slow juicers the same?
The quality of a slow juicer’ s performance depends on two factors: operating speed and temperature generated during juicing. Research from Texas A&M University found that low-speed juicing, which minimizes heat, preserves the highest levels of beneficial compounds, though there were a few exceptions depending on the vegetable. Low-speed juicers (rotating at around 40-100 RPM) produce minimal heat, preserving nutrients and delivering a richer, fuller taste.
4. Is slow juicer an expensive investment?
In the long run, slow juicers are quite economical. Though some believe the initial cost is high, the efficient juice yield and health benefits make it a worthwhile investment. For example, a slow juicer can extract over 85% juice from 500 grams of oranges. This high yield saves you on produce costs, making a high-quality juicer a more budget-friendly choice. A popular model like the LinkChef slow juicer yields up to 64 oz (or 8 cups) of juice in a single juicing session, ideal for family breakfasts or gatherings.
5. Is a slow juicer a healthier option?
By making homemade juice, you could reduce sugar intake and tailor the nutrients to your needs. For example, leafy greens add folate and minerals, while berries add beneficial polyphenols. You can create blends specific to each family member’s needs, something impossible to achieve with bottled juice.