Which juicer should I buy?

Last week we discussed juicing and blending. And Monday before last we started on a 5-day juice detox... It was fantastic! An abundant array of colorful juices made from nutrient dense organic fruits and vegetables. You may also have seen some of the pictures and recipes on our Facebook Page, but if you missed it, you can still go back down through our timeline as well as find a few more recipes on the recipe page on our website. 

The first 3 days were a little hard getting through the initial of wanting to eat something, feeling a bit drained and a slight detox headache on day 2 (all common and normal effects). But days 4 and 5 were AMAZING. We had such an abundance of energy and we were simply buzzing all day. AND as a bonus, we each lost about 5 lbs!!!

One of the great things about going on a juice detox is that there is no cooking involved. The only utensils needed are a vegetable brush, a chopping board, a knife, a juicer and preferably a blender as well!

There are many types of juicers on the market today and numerous manufactures, brands, series and huge price ranges to choose from, all of which can make buying a juicer quite overwhelming! Also, be aware, that there are as many bad juicers as there are good juicers out there. Having informed yourself beforehand is always a good thing. 

Buying a juicer is an investment... an investment in your health! Therefore, it is important to get one that will be effective and not burn out in the long run! Here at Weiser Living, we often get asked; “Which is the best juicer to buy?” So we decided to go out and do some research for you to help you make the the right choices.  Just remember, that this is just our educated opinion and in the end, the choice is yours!

There are six main types of juicers:

1. Blender (not technically a juicer)
2. Masticating
3. Centrifugal
4. Wheatgrass
5. Citrus
6. Manual or hand press

Each type of juicer has its own set of specific features. However, here we will cover the first 3 main kinds of juicers/blenders on the list, which we recommend and why, as well as which manufacturers we believe have created the best overall juicers when it comes to quality, performance, and price point among other things.

But first let's recap, why juice?

As we mentioned in last week's blog, the daily recommended allowance of fruits and vegetables are 5 - 13 servings, but let’s face it, most of us don’t eat half that, and certainly not all raw. Canning, freezing, boiling, steaming, stir frying, sauteing, and other means of cooking fruits and vegetables greatly reduce the available nutrients present.

Juicing is a fantastic, convenient and tasty way of increasing our intake of raw fruits and vegetables, an excellent way to detoxify the body, lose weight, and alkalize our blood. 

The process of juicing separates the fiber from the juice which contains all the vital nutrients and therefore a much higher density of nutrition will fit into just one glass of juice. Fresh juices contain concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals and enzymes in extremely bio-available form, and as the fiber is removed, the nutrients flow more rapidly into the bloodstream. 

A note: Just as the vitamins and minerals are concentrated, so are the pesticides if non-organic produce is used. We highly recommend using organic fruits and vegetables when juicing.

Blenders

So let's start with blenders. A blender is not a juicer as it does not separate the juice from the pulp and therefore is considered more of a smoothie maker than a juicer. Because the pulp is not removed, smoothies still contain the fiber from the fruits or vegetables. The benefit of this is that the smoothies can be stored for longer than juices without losing too much nutritional value. Also, fiber is terrific for cleansing, as it acts as a "chimney sweeper" in the colon enabling regular elimination. 

Vitamix

As you may have gleaned from our pictures, the blender we use is a Vitamix and our juicer is a Jack Lalanne Power Juicer.  

We are EXTREMELY happy with our blender. It is regarded as one of the top blenders on the market and we highly recommend it. With it's 2 horse power motor, BPA-free & shatterproof 64 oz. container, radial cooling fan and thermal protection system to prevent overload and burnout, 3" laser-cut & stainless steel blades and a 7-year warranty, this is the Rolls Royce of blenders. In addition to making smoothies, this blender is also ideal for making piping hot soups, healthy nut butters, sauces, custards, dips, salsas, spreads, fondues, dressings, syrups, batters for waffles, muffins and pancakes, frozen treats, puddings, baby/pureed foods and much, much more in just minutes. It will cut through ice cubes, nuts and other hard foods like butter. The Vitamix is extremely versatile and is an essential tool in our kitchen and we use nearly every day!

NutriBullet

Compared to the Vitamix, the much talked about NutriBullet doesn't stand a chance! With less than half the motor strength (600 watts/10,000 RPM versus the Vitamix's 1380 watts/37,000 RPM), it's 24 oz. carafe versus Vitamix's 64 oz., it only has a 1 year warranty versus 7 years, there really is no comparison. Also, the NutriBullet only has 1 speed versus several variable speeds, including a turbo mode, on the Vitamix. You can forget about making hot soups, frozen desserts and nut butters too. It will burn out! In fact, the manufacturer says that it should not run for more than a minute at a time. Finally, the Vitamix comes with a large comprehensive recipe book, whereas the NutriBullet has a small booklet just to help you get started.

HOWEVER the NutriBullet does have its advantages! It is 1/4 of the cost compared to the Vitamix and also, because of it's compact nature, the NutriBullet is absolutely brilliant for those who travel a lot and want to bring their blender with them. (We've tried lugging our heavy and bulky Vitamix with us on trips. It was not a pretty sight!!!) The NutriBullet also comes with an additional 2 cups with handles and resealable lids for smoothies on the go! If you are not ready to invest in a Vitamix then the NutriBullet will work fine for basics and beginners. Now, if you REALLY are committed to a healthy lifestyle of blending, then get both! One for home, and one for on the go!

Juicers

Our Jack Lalanne juicer, however, is entirely a different story. It was given to us as a present, and we use it, much like the Vitamix, almost every day! It has done an okay job so far and of course, we are very grateful for such a beautiful present. However, if and when this juicer dies, we won't choose the same one again. For several reasons:

• Although the company claims that it will extract 30% more juice than the standard household juicer, I still find the pulp to be very wet and so a lot of juice is wasted. 
• It makes a lot of foam (indicates higher oxidation)
• It requires a special tool to dismantle for cleaning. (which we lost, so now we have to use a screwdriver - not very practical)
• It's loud
• And the motor isn't very powerful, so it jams very often.

If budget is a determining factor, then the JackLalanne juicer can be for you. The price is very reasonable and it does have a lifetime warranty on the base. However, there are many better juicers on the market today for similar prices.

The 2 main types of juicers you want to consider when looking for a juicer are the most commonly used and also the most diverse. They are the pulp-ejection centrifugal juicer and the masticating juicer. 2 very different types of juicers; each with their pros and cons. In the end, which juicer you decide to choose should be according to your specific needs. 

Centrifugal Juicers

Pulp-ejecting centrifugal juicers are the most popular and are generally more affordable, easier to operate and quicker to clean than masticating juicers. These juicers operate in a manner similar to the spin cycle of your washing machine in that the juice is extracted by the high speed spinning. As the fruits and vegetables are fed into the juicer, they are grated and then spun to extract the juice. The pulp is then deposited in a canister at the back of the juicer for easy disposal. Centrifugal juicers work well with harder fruits and vegetables, but not for wheatgrass, herbs or leafy greens. Of the different kinds of centrifugal juicers out there, we recommend wide mouthed juicers (at least 3”) because you will be able to feed larger, even whole pieces of fruit and vegetables through, thus greatly reducing the time spent chopping and juicing. Although much faster than masticating juicers, they will yield less juice, especially with leafy greens, and may damage enzymes from oxidation. This type of juicer is great for beginners and for people with busy lives!

Advantages

• Generates large quantities of juice before pulp accumulates for removal
• More affordable
• Easy to use
• Easy to clean
• Reduces juice preparation time, as will accept larger pieces of fruits and vegetable as well as faster extraction process.

Disadvantages

• Noisy
• Yields less juice than masticating juicers
• Destroys enzymes more easily by introducing high levels of oxygen during extraction
• Spoils quicker due to higher oxidation
• Creates more foam
• Extracts nutrients less efficiently
• Not well-suited to juicing leafy greens or wheatgrass

Masticating Juicers

Masticating juicers, also known as cold-press juicers, are superior to centrifugal juicers and are very efficient for juicing most fruits, vegetables, even leafy greens and wheatgrass. Although slower than the centrifugal juicer, they do a much more efficient job at extracting high yields of juice. The fruits and vegetables are squeezed and pressed rather than shredded and spun. This low RPM (revolutions per minute) process uses less heat, friction and oxidation thus preserving the nutrient value of the juice. It also allows for effective crushing of the cellular structure and the breaking of fiber so that all the nutrition is released into the juice. Whilst more costly, their slower and more thorough extraction rates produce a high-quality juice – and more of it. Another great advantage to this type of juicer is its versatility as it is also great for making nut butters, frozen fruit desserts, baby food, pâtés, sauces, soy & nut milks, grinding coffee and spices, mincing herbs & garlic, and some models can even extrude pasta shapes like spaghetti and linguine. This type of juicer is great for those who are ready and committed long term to healthy living, juicing and wanting a higher quality juice!

Advantages

• Quieter
• Lower heat and oxidation, thereby protecting nutrients and enzymes
• Releases more vitamins, minerals and enzymes
• Well-suited to juicing greens, wheatgrass and sprouts
• Yields more juice (dryer pulp)
• Juice preserved in better condition for longer storage time
• Less foam
• Serves other food processing functions, such as making nut butters, pasta, ice cream, etc.

Disadvantages

• Heavier & uses more counter space
• More expensive
• Longer food preparation, as smaller food pieces are required for their narrow chutes and extraction process is slower
• More cumbersome to clean

Remember, that a juicer and/or blender is an investment in your health. And like with anything, there are inexpensive and very expensive juicers on the market. Also remember, like with anything, you get what you pay for. Quality is important if you don't want to have to buy another juicer again in 12 months! 

So, now that you know the difference between the 2 main types of juicers, it is time to look at which manufacturers came out on top. We have spent countless hours reviewing juice offs between brands, listening to consumer feedback, reading seller reviews, looked at many different brands and factored in a long list of criteria. Some of the criteria we looked at are: 

• Warranty length for motor AND parts. (most important criteria)
• Dish washer safe
• Cleaning time
• Electrical cord length
• Stainless steel vs plastic
• Feeding chute size
• Power & RPMs
• Robustness
• Extraction efficacy
• Noise level
• Versatility (can it perform other tasks than just juicing)
• and more...

Just remember that there are pros and cons to every juicer and not one juicer will score the highest in all the categories. There is no "One Best Juicer", so we have chosen the one that scored the highest overall.

Are you ready? After weighing ALL the pros and cons of many different juicer brands, here are the ones that came out on top:

The winning ejection pulp centrifugal juicer:

Omega Big Mouth Juicer 330

or the 

Omega Big Mouth Juicer 390 

(stronger motor and chrome base instead of plastic)

 The winning masticating juicer:

Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer

The fact that they are both Omega's is completely a coincidence. It seems this manufacturer simply got it right!

We hope that you now feel much more confident in going out and getting yourself a juicer. Whether it be the one of the ones we recommended or you just want to use some of the criteria we mentioned at go out on a mission to find your perfect juicer! 

Just remember, whatever you decide... BUY A JUICER and get started on your journey to a healthier you!!!!

Have a juicylicious day!

About the Author: Tinna Hawkins is an avid health nut! For the last 13 years, she has been helping people with their health as a Wellness Consultant. She is a strong proponent of clean and nutrient dense foods, juicing, toxin-free personal and home care, an active lifestyle, supplementation and a positive outlook on life! Together with her husband, Dr Budweiser, they own and operate the Weiser Living Wellness Center & Institute. www.weiserliving.com

What's the Point in Juicing?

Juicing is a very hot topic at the moment! It seems that every blog is writing about it, you can find recipes all over Facebook, documentaries are made about it (Have you seen Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead?) and we get asked about the benefits of juicing almost every day! So what is all the fuss about?

Well, as we all know, fresh fruits and vegetables are valuable sources of vitamins and minerals. They also contain important fibers, enzymes and phytonutrients for maintaining good health. Scientific studies have documented numerous health benefits associated with eating fruits and vegetables, with the greatest benefits seen in people who consume more than the recommended daily amounts.

Nutrient Depletion 

The USDA recommends 5 - 13 servings of fruits and vegetables daily as part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately though, no matter the country or the time frame studied, it has been found that the vital nutrient levels in our fresh fruits and vegetables are rapidly declining. To blame, are modern farming practices which have changed dramatically in the last 50 years to increase yields and profits. Practices such as plant cross breeding and genetic engineering, storage and ripening systems such as green harvesting and gassing as well as the use of chemical fertilizers are just some of the contributing factors. Soil depletion is also a huge factor. In fact, recent studies have shown that the nutrient value of our soil has declined by an average of 20% over the last 20 years and it is continuing to decline. And if it’s not in the soil, it’s not in the plant!

In the 1950’s, a woman could get her daily recommended allowance of Beta Carotene, the main source of provitamin A, from eating just 2 peaches. Today, she would have to eat 53 peaches to get that same amount. Another example is the iron in spinach which has declined by over 70% in the last 25 years and 3 recent studies have shown a median 5% - 40% decline in some minerals in groups of vegetables and perhaps fruits.

But these figures have not encouraged us to increase our consumption. Studies show that the average American consumes no more than 3 servings per day. A classic symptom of the standard American diet (SAD) is being overfed but undernourished. We consume too many empty calories but not enough nutrients to keep our bodies sustained at healthy levels.

A properly nourished body does not have abnormal cravings and is at its physical, mental and emotional best, but without adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables, that can be a hard feat to accomplish.

Juicing or Blending? 

Here is where juicing and blending comes in. It is such a quick, easy and healthy way to replenish vitamins, minerals and enzymes and to get closer to those 5 – 13 recommended servings a day.

When using a juicer,  the juice is extracted from the pulp and so allows us to pack more fruits and vegetables, and therefore more concentrated amounts of nutrients, into just one glass. However, some of the vitamins and minerals are left behind from the skin of the fruits, and pulp has fiber that is beneficial for the body. So sometimes, blending is also a good choice. Therefore, when I get asked “is juicing or blending better?” I respond... “Do both! And as a rule of thumb, juice vegetables and blend fruit.”

Fruit and vegetable juices each have their benefits. Fruit juices are some of the best cleansers for the body and vegetable juices are toning and rejuvenating down to the cellular level. Vegetable juices strengthen the immune system, reduce acidity, fortify the blood, strengthen the organs, nerves and glands. They are also potent cleansers of the digestive tract and blood. Fruits are healthy and tasty when blended into fiber rich smoothies.

Note: When blending fruits for smoothies, always add ice cubes, water or milk (almond, rice or coconut) to dilute the sugar, especially if you have challenges with blood sugar balance.

Here are some benefits of juicing:

• Quicker absorption of nutrients in the fruits and vegetables.
• Easier to get the recommended daily amount of fruits & vegetables as opposed to eating them.
• Ease of adding a wide variety of vegetables to your diet.
• Great way to enhance detoxification.
• Great aid in weight loss.

Vegetable juice is HIGHLY perishable. As soon as the extracted juice is exposed to oxygen, it starts to breakdown; a process called oxidation. So it is best to drink all of your juices immediately after making them. This can pose a problem to those with time constraints. Although not ideal or recommended, you can store them up to 24 hours with only a moderate nutritional decline. Stored juice is definitely better than no juice!!!

Here are a few juice storage tips for retaining maximum nutrient levels:

• Juice should be stored in an airtight container at a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) or less.

• The storage container should be refrigerated before you fill it with juice.

• To minimize the oxidizing presence of air, the container should be filled to the top. 

Tips for those on the go who want to take their juice with them:

• A good quality stainless steel or glass thermos is the better storage option.

• Make sure your thermos has good insulation.

• Cool the thermos in the refrigerator or freezer prior to filling it with juice.

Organic or not Organic? That is the question.

We always recommend organic whenever possible. Especially when juicing. Consider this. When you juice, you get a higher concentration of nutrients because a) you are consuming more servings and b) there is a rapid absorption into the bloodstream. So if this is the case, you are also getting higher and more concentrated amounts of chemical fertilizers into your body. If cost is an issue, at least stick with the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. 

Also, be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables well. Sometimes you can also consider scraping or peeling them.

Another reason to choose organic, is the question of nutrient value. More and more studies are now showing that organic produce yields higher nutrient levels than non-organic. Take a look at this study for example:

So, as you can see, juicing and blending are completely worthy of all the fuss!

A great way to get started is to start juicing for breakfast; instead of breakfast! Once you get accustomed to that, try implementing just juicing one day a week. If at this point, you love it, consider graduating to juice fasts. Here at Weiser Living, we do a juice fast/cleanse once a quarter for 5 – 7 days. It is an AMAZING way to cleanse the body, increase energy levels and lose some weight. If you are not sure where or how to start, what juicer to buy or even if you would like some help getting started on a juice fast, please get in touch. We would love to help you get started on your juice journey. You can also find several recipes on our Facebook page as well as the recipe section on our website www.weiserliving.com

Supplementation:

Although there are benefits of higher levels of nutrition when adding fresh juices to our diet, supplementing with a Real Food Vitamin & Mineral is still very much recommended. Even the Harvard School of public Health and the American Medical Association both say you cannot get enough proper nutrition from your food alone. Studies have found it important to add high quality vitamins and minerals to our diets. When we go on a juice fast/cleanse, here at Weiser Living, we always add a good whole food vitamin and mineral to our daily regimen as well as Weiser Living Paleo Greens to boost our juices.

Next week we will talk about purchasing the right juicer... So stay tuned!

About the Author: Tinna Hawkins is an avid health nut! For the last 13 years, she has been helping people with their health as a Wellness Consultant. She is a strong proponent of clean and nutrient dense foods, juicing, toxin-free personal and home care, an active lifestyle, supplementation and a positive outlook on life! Together with her husband, Dr Budweiser, they own and operate the Weiser Living Wellness Center & Institute. www.weiserliving.com

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss

http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/44/1/15.full

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vegetables-full-story/