Before comparing juices and smoothies, let's remember that there is nothing better than fresh, seasonal fruit. Whole fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in their most natural and beneficial form. The dietary fiber present in fresh fruit promotes good digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and provides a feeling of satiety. Fruits also contain a high amount of water, which helps keep your body hydrated. But if you sometimes struggle to eat whole fruit, or enjoy a sugary drink every now and then, here's what you need to know.
Fruit juice, a dose of energy
Juices are made by squeezing or centrifuging fruit to extract the liquid. The texture of fruit juices is fluid and light. Fruit juices mainly contain vitamins, minerals and natural sugars from the fruit. However, their fiber content is very low due to the removal of the fruit pulp. Juices also have a high concentration of sugars, which causes a rapid increase in blood sugar, but also an almost instantaneous boost of energy.
Smoothies, filling and varied
Smoothies, for their part, are prepared by mixing whole fruits with liquids such as water, animal milk, plant milks or even yogurt. You can also add other ingredients such as vegetables, aromatic herbs, seeds, flax or chia for example, or even oilseeds, such as almonds or walnuts. Unlike juice, smoothies are thick and creamy, thanks to the presence of fruit (and vegetable) pulp and fiber. Smoothies therefore retain all the fiber, which supports good digestion and provides a more lasting feeling of satiety. They are also more nutritious due to the variety of added ingredients and offer a wider range of vitamins and minerals.
To summarize, if you are looking for a dose of sugar, rapid absorption of vitamins and minerals with few calories, juices are a good option. On the other hand, if you want a more complete nutritional intake, smoothies are more suitable. It is entirely possible to include both in your diet to reap the benefits of each. Always in moderation of course!
