Blenders & Juicers

1. The juicer is similar to the blender. But remember, you can't turn a carrot into liquid in the latter, nor make a milkshake in the former. The juicer pulverizes and separates the fibers from the juice, whereas the blender pulverizes the fruit or vegetable and leaves everything together.

2. Both can be used to make delicious concoctions, but the juicer is not quite as diverse in its functions. A blender can be used for smoothies, iced drinks, pureeing foods for soup or sauces, and grinding things like dried chilies or nuts.

3. But where the juicer falls short in functions it makes up for in health benefits and pure muscle. By pulverizing the fibers and unlocking the juices from them, it provides a concentrated health drink that is quickly introduced into the body. It may seem a little unpleasant, but much of the effort the body makes in digesting is already performed by the juicer. Plus, the product tastes delicious.

4. Using a blender and juicer together produces some delicious and healthy results. For example, you can extract healthy vegetable and fruit juices using your juicer, and then combine them in the blender with your usual smoothie ingredients. Add a little fiber such as flaxseed or wheat germ and you've got a power-packed pick-me-up or super healthy breakfast.

5. If you're buying a juicer, you'll have to choose between a masticating juicer and a centrifugal juicer. A masticating juicer is considered by many to be superior, as it slowly 'chews' the food and extracts more glyconutrients from the food fibers. It also mixes less oxygen into the drink which gives the juice a longer shelf life.

6. A centrifugal juicer, on the other hand, is a good choice if you're going to drink the juice immediately. The spinning blades and grated basket pulverize and collect pulp and fiber, leaving the juice to collect in a reservoir. While these are good for typical fruits and vegetables, leafy green veggies do not respond well to the cutting process.

7. Masticating juicers do have drawbacks, however. They work slower than centrifugal juicers, meaning you'll have to plan ahead.  This is especially true for those who enjoy juices from harder fruits and vegetables, which will take the longest.