Juicing is the process of extracting fresh juice from fruit and raw vegetables to supplement or replace traditional meals. It is sometimes used to increase nutritional intake or assist weight loss goals. While fruit and vegetable juices do offer nutritional value, there is no evidence that juicing is healthier or more nutritious than eating whole fruits and vegetables, explains the American Cancer Society. Moreover, juicing removes the fiber content of fruits and vegetables and elevates blood glucose levels more quickly, which may make it unsuitable for diabetics and those on a high-fiber diet.
Step 1
Use the freshest fruits and vegetables available to get the highest nutritional value and best flavor as possible.
Step 2
Wash the vegetables and fruits with warm water to remove any dirt and chemicals before juicing. This is especially important if you intend to leave some or all of the skin intact when juicing your ingredients.
Step 3
Peel each item and then slice it into small chunks. Remove any seeds and pits. Large seeds or pits may damage your juicer or blender. Juicers with smaller intake chutes require smaller pieces of food.
Step 4
Follow the manufacturer's directions on your juicer. Failure to follow the directions may result in injury or equipment damage. For most juicers, you must push the fruit down into an intake chute, where it is then mashed or pressed inside a container. The juice is extracted into a separate compartment.
Step 5
Juice softer fruits and vegetables before harder ones and add any additional ingredients, such as soymilk, yogurt or flaxseeds, after juicing but before consuming your beverage. Softer fruits, such as bananas, may clog your juicer. Adding the harder foods later will help push the softer foods through.
Step 6
Test different combinations of fruits and vegetables to determine what flavors you prefer. Juicing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including some yellow and some green vegetables, will provide a more nutritious drink.
Step 7
Clean your juicer immediately after use to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria inside the unit.
Tips and Warnings
- To increase the fiber content of your juice, blend the pulp and drink it along with the juice.
Things You'll Need
- Peeler
- Sharp knife
- Juicer
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