Fresh, Cold-Pressed Juices vs. Store- Bought Options

Fresh vs. Store-Bought Juice: The science behind nutrient content and taste to choose the best option for your health goals.

Fresh vs. Store-Bought Juice: Unveiling the Nutritional Powerhouse

Juices have always been a go-to for vitamins and mineral-packed hydration. But in a world where following fitness goals is getting difficult with a busier lifestyle, there is a debate over cold-pressed versus store-bought juice. It is difficult to get the right amount of micronutrients without consuming numerous fruits and vegetables. Cold-pressed juices are a delicious source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which has made them a favourite among health enthusiasts!

Now, some of you might wonder, what is cold-pressed juice? Cold-pressed juice is prepared with hydraulic press, applying significant pressure to extract the highest amount of liquid from fresh fruits and vegetables. This process avoids the use of additional heat or oxygen, with minimal nutrient loss. Store-bought juices, on the other hand, have very different ingredients and juicing procedures.

If you are worried about the prep time or the cost, we got your back! Here is a preview of the variety of cold-pressed juices for your varied needs.

1. Dr. Green

An assembly of all the vitamins and antioxidants from cucumber, pineapple, aloe vera, coconut water and lemon will help keep your immunity intact. It eases the digestion process, helping the stomach function smoothly. Aloe vera also promotes skin elasticity.

2. Powerhouse

Blending together carrot, apple, spinach, rosemary, lemon and ginger, this drink is excellent for your skin, heart and eyes. It boosts immunity and reduces blood pressure while improving overall heart health.

Beyond Convenience: The Science of Fresh-Pressed Nutrients

While buying juice off a shelf is convenient, it can cost you in the long run. The high content of sugar and preservatives and the pasteurization, a heating process that can destroy some of the natural nutrients, makes it an unhealthy choice. Whereas cold-pressed juices are made and extracted by using a hydraulic press or a masticating juicer which exerts extreme pressure on the fruits and vegetables making them a storehouse of natural nutrients, enzymes and antioxidants.

Not only are these juices rich in vitamins and minerals that boost your immunity, but they also support your digestive health! The soluble fiber and fresh enzymes present in the juices aid digestion of nutrients and bowel movements. Cold-pressed juices’ benefits also include their use as a tonic for those who are feeling under the weather and cannot have solids due to the rich content of vitamins A, B, C, E as well as magnesium, iron, potassium, etc.

Taste the Difference: Fresh vs. Processed Flavour

Ever thought how several store-bought juices taste the same after some time? This is because they have high sugar content and preservatives that change the actual taste of the ingredients, and the added flavour is not much varied across the product range. However, cold-pressed juices taste fresher and more vibrant. This is all thanks to the gentler and slower extraction process that retains the nutrient content and freshness of the juice. DIYing your cold-pressed juice allows you to customize the flavour to your choice.

Unlocking Nature's Bounty: A Rainbow of Fresh Juice Options

It's time to start your own pressed juicery using the vibrant and delicious fruits and veggies! Start your slow-juicing/ cold-pressed juice journey with these fresh juice recipes.

1. Zesty Apple Beet Juice: Beet contains large amounts of iron along with eliminating toxins. Combining it with apple and lemon will boost metabolism and is ideal for a healthy cleanse. For this fresh juice recipe, add 3 ½ cups of apples, 1/8 cup of beets and 1/3 lemon to the juicer after peeling and slicing and voila!

2. Carrot Ginger ale: This delicious juice is everything you want to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, improve your eyesight, and gut health. Wash, peel and slice one large carrot, a thumb-sized knob of ginger and 1 ½ large red apples. This juice will leave you feeling rejuvenated in no time!

3. Berry Lemon: A refreshing juice to prevent fatigue and eliminate toxins. All you need is 1/3 cup of white grapes, 1/3 cup of kiwi, 2 cups of whole strawberries and 1/3 lemon. Strawberry and lemon are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and can boost immunity.

4. Green Ranger: One for the summer! This juice will make you feel hydrated, with clear skin and an immunity boost. Just add 1 medium cucumber, 1 apple, 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1/2 a small lemon rind taken off to the juicer. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, to give you healthier skin and hair while cucumber is effective against sunburn, boosts immunity and improves digestion while keeping you hydrated.

5. Pineapple Haven: A flavour-packed juice that will wake up your system! Pineapple and oranges are rich in Vitamin C and help awaken your immune system and reduce swelling while the apple helps with digestion and is a great source of Vitamin A. Just add 1/2 a pineapple, 1/2 an apple, and 1 large Mandarin orange to the juicer and you have a punchy, healthy juice to go!

From Farm to Fridge: Maximizing Fresh Juice Benefits

There is nothing more refreshing than having fresh juice. However, if you would like to store your juices for a bit longer and get the most out of them, here are a few tips!

A cold-press juicer gives it a shelf-life of 48 hours. Pick fresh ingredients to keep the nutritional value intact and to increase shelf life. Increasing the acidity of the juice by adding lemon juice or any other source of Vitamin C lowers pH value and thus, increases the shelf life of the juice. The best containers to store your juices are mason jars, glass bottles, stainless steel containers and even thermal containers. Using opaque or dark-colored bottles helps reduce exposure to UV rays and drying the container prevents bacterial attack. Use vacuum seal to ensure minimal oxidization. Lastly, freeze the juice in your refrigerator and consume it within 2-5 days.

Fresh or Shelf-Stable? Choosing the Right Juice for You

It's time to answer the most important question; cold pressed juice vs normal juice? The use of excessive sugar, preservatives, and dyes makes the store-bought juice tastier and increases its shelf-life. However, it does not provide long-term health benefits and can lead to higher blood sugar levels.

If you struggle to meet your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, incorporating cold-pressed juice into your diet may be beneficial. It is also gentler on the digestive tract since it removes most of the insoluble fiber and is easier to digest than whole fruits. When well stored, they are also convenient and healthier to consume on busier days than store-bought juices. However, they can be costlier and have a shorter shelf-life.