Smoothies are getting popular these days. So, if you want to meet your daily nutrient requirements – blending vegetables into smoothies can be a great idea. But does blending vegetables destroy nutrients? The answer can be complicated.
Some websites will make you believe that vegetable smoothies lack essential nutrients and that smoothies lose nutrients overnight. while others will prove otherwise. Which should you believe?
Well, you don’t need to be confused about your search results. Let’s dive deeper into this.
First, let’s talk about nutrients real quick.
Nutrients are substances found in food that provides energy and nourishment. They help us carry out different activities of life by building and repairing our body tissues.
Vegetables are extremely healthy and are full of essential nutrients. So, by putting a bit of green in your daily diet, you are making healthy choices in life. But to get the best out of it, you can drink your veggies! No, I’m not kidding.
You can simply put the vegetables in a blender and make drinkable vegetables. But before anything else you need to know what blending does to vegetables.Now, let’s address the question, “Does blending vegetables destroy nutrients?”
Nutrient Loss in a Blender: What Happens When You Put Vegetables in a Blender?
Vegetables are complicated. They contain both soluble and insoluble fibers. Our bodies cannot easily digest all of these fibers. Does blending help in this situation? Is blending beneficial or does it have drawbacks? How does blending work?
Blending process is very similar to chewing process, but with a machine!
A blender helps to grind down the fibrous materials of food and turns them into small pieces. This makes it easy for us to take in. We do that too with our teeth while chewing.
Of course, it’s always better to eat or to chew your veggies. But putting vegetables in a blender and making delicious smoothies can be a smart idea too!
Does Blending Vegetables Destroy Nutrients: To Blend or to Chew Your Veggies
While chewing your body may not absorb all the vitamins, enzymes, and fibers, but by blending you get the best out of your required nutrient. Smoothies basically play a trick on your stomach that helps it not to do all the hard work.
During the blending cycle, the texture and the exterior of the vegetable slightly “change”. However, it keeps the nutrients level almost intact. It only liquefies the vegetables and makes them drinkable.
You can add as many healthy ingredients as you want in a smoothie with veggies. That way, you do not get the nutrients from a single element but get full-packed nutrition and calories. It can easily fill your stomach and give you energy.In conclusion, blending vegetables does not destroy significant amounts of nutrients.
Does Blending Get Rid of All the Nutrients: Are You Defeating Your Health Goals by Blending the Greens?
Looking for ways to increase your protein and fiber intake? Do you like to take liquified and soft food? If you want to fit more fresh and green produce into your diet, putting vegetables in smoothies can be your best option.
Does blending vegetables destroy nutrients?
Although, there are some myths that blending vegetables does destroy nutrients. Well, it can be somewhat true. But not entirely if you do not do it the right way.
Blending vegetables give you more nutrient power and improve your digestion system. If you have a digestion problem, your doctor will probably instruct you to eat more vegetables. Vegetable smoothies work like medicine for your bloated or upset stomach.
By blending your vegetables in smoothies, your body gets a head start and activates your digestive system. This way, your stomach does not have to dismantle the fibers, vitamins, and enzymes from your food. It also maintains your bowel movements and helps you live longer.
Does Blending Vegetables Destroy Nutrients?
If you have decided to sip your greens instead of eating them whole, you may have questions regarding their nutritional value. Are nutrients destroyed by blending? Do I get less nutrition from smoothies?
To put it simply – yes, blending does lower the nutritional value of vegetables but only a little bit. A vegetable blender does not ‘destroy’ the nutrient content rather it ‘change’. It is because of the oxidation process of nutrients.
Does Oxidation of Vegetables Spoil the Food element?
Oxidation starts when the vegetables are exposed to the air for a long time. The vegetables turn brown by reacting with oxygen in the air. It only occurs if the food is cut or peeled open and is kept on the counter for more than an hour.
The oxidation does not ruin the food but it can slightly alter the nutrient content. It can affect our bodies to some extent.
Juicer VS Blender: Which is Healthier?
Now, comes the question – juicing vs smoothies? Which drink is better? Well, it mostly depends on how you like to consume your food.
If you care for nutrition, a juicer and a blender both can make you a nutritious drink. However, the way these two processes the food into a glass is different.
A juicer will isolate the juice from the rest of the food leaving the remaining fiber pulp behind. It will make a juice that is packed with more vegetables and is easier to digest.
Whereas, a blender blends all the ingredients of the food together and leaves no pulp or fiber behind. This makes a thicker drink that satisfies your hunger and takes more time to digest. Also, a blender is easy to clean and it can give you the best output even with low watts.
How Much Natural Fibers Do You Get In Vegetable Smoothies?
Fiber is the functional part of plant foods mainly found in fruits, whole grains, and vegetables are very important for your health. Experts suggest dietary fiber to lower the risks of developing multiple diseases.
Find out, does blending fruits destroy fiber?
Why Do You Need to Adopt a High-fiber Diet Right Now?
A high-fiber diet is very beneficial to you. Here’s how:
- Fiber activates the “healthier” gut bacteria: Fiber acts as a probiotic and helps our body digest carbs, fats, and proteins. It feeds the intestinal bacteria to produce nutrients for the body from these foods.
- Dietary fiber helps you lose weight: For one reason that vegetables in smoothies are getting popular is that it is a great source for weight loss. The fiber you get in your smoothies helps you shed pounds faster. Thus, you can avoid putting on weights.
- It reduces cholesterol levels: The soluble fibers you get in your food can suck up the excess cholesterol and keeps it at a balanced level. It also minimizes the risks of having heart disease.
Now, do you get fiber in smoothies? Yes.
Drinking smoothies can be a great source of putting fibers in your diet. It contains a large number of natural fibers which is very good for your health.
Nonetheless, the quantity of fiber content depends on the ingredients and vegetables you put in your smoothies. You need to include veggies that have lots of fibers and other elements.
What are the Best Vegetables for Smoothies?
Here are some of the healthiest and most natural vegetables for blending into smoothies:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Kale
- Spinach
- Beets
- Cucumber
- Avocado
These veggies contain the highest amount of fiber content in them. You can make yummy and healthy smoothies by mixing these veggies with beans, nuts, or seeds.
How to Reduce Nutrient and Fiber Loss of While Blending?
As discussed earlier, does blending vegetables destroy nutrients, blending can result in some loss of nutrients and fiber. To get the most out of your delicious smoothies while minimizing nutrient loss, here are some tips to conside
Here’s the best thing you can do to minimize the loss:
- Use Ingredients as Fresh as Possible: The fresher the veggies the more nutrition you get from them. Smoothies made out of raw vegetables taste a lot better and it is also healthier for you.
- Minimize Blending time: If you want to retain the essential nutrient of the vegetables do not spend much time blending. It should take only 30 seconds in the blender to make the perfect smoothie.
- Drink That Instant: After making your smoothie, drink it straight away. The more time the smoothie stays after blending, the more nutritional value it loses. If you want to save it for later, it’s better to store it in a refrigerator.
- Wash the Ingredients in a Proper Manner: You need to make sure while washing that you do not soak up the peeled or chopped ingredients in water. In this way, some water-soluble nutrients may be lost.
- Add More Fibers to Your Smoothies: When blending, you can include as many fiber-rich elements as you need. Foods like avocados, seeds, passion fruits, nuts, beans, dried fruits, etc. have rich fiber in them.
Is pulp good for you? The answer is – Yes. Pulp contains more than 90 percent of fibers from vegetables. You get the most fiber in smoothies. Hence, you should choose a blender to make drinkable vegetables to keep your fiber intake at a maximum.
Conclusion- Does Blending Vegetables Destroy Nutrients
Does blending vegetables destroy nutrients? Even though blending vegetables does destroy nutrients to some extent, it’s not a matter of worry. Drinking smoothies with veggies have lots of health benefits that other foods do not have.
Lots of people struggle to keep up with their diet and follow recommended food intake. Putting vegetables in a blender can be a great way to add more fiber, vitamins, enzymes, and protein to their diets.
