Fruit is a tasty and nutritious part of any diet, but how should you really consume it? There are some pros and cons to it; for example, blending your fruit can release nasty natural sugars from its cell walls, but on the other hand, not blending your fruit can save you a lot of time preparing and cleaning.
A lot of people also don’t like the texture of blended fruit; they may also not have the right equipment to do so, which may call for an alternative like mashing your fruit instead to save yourself some texture and introduce different fruits to each other and see how they taste.
If you blend fruit, the natural sugars are released from within the fruit and become “free sugars.”
British Heart Foundation
Smoothies Can Contain A lot Of Sugar and Calories
Smoothies can be a great way to get your daily dose of fresh fruit and vegetables, but they can also contain a lot of sugar and calories.
When making a smoothie, many people add fruit juices or ice cream. Additionally, many blended drinks include yogurt, milk, or other dairy products that contain added sugar. All these combined ingredients can add up quickly to sugar and calories in a single smoothie.
“Soluble and insoluble fibers are crucial for the digestive process — they ensure that we digest and absorb nutrients and sugars slowly, avoiding a quick spike in blood sugars. They also add bulk to our stool and help to keep our gastrointestinal system moving regularly.”
Dr. Alka Gupta
The Pros of Blending Fruit
We all love drinking smoothies, don’t we? They’re super tasty and very convenient to make. But there are more benefits you are overlooking.
One of the biggest pros of blending fruit is that it removes the need to chew and digest whole pieces of food. This makes it easier to consume large amounts of fruit in one sitting without feeling full or bloated, something which isn’t possible with raw fruits. Additionally, when you blend fruit into smoothies or juices, you can add other ingredients, such as protein powder or fats, which can help boost your overall nutrient intake!
The Cons of Blending Fruit
So, why is blending fruit bad? Do fruits lose nutrients when you blend them..?
Blending fruit is a convenient way to fit some good nutrients into one easy drink. However, there are some cons to consider before you start blending your fruit.
Blended fruit loses much of its nutrient content compared to eating the whole product. The reality is that many of these beneficial vitamins and minerals are being lost due to the process of blending. The blending process also causes oxidation which affects both flavor and texture.
Another issue with blended fruit is that it can be higher in calories than when eaten as a whole product.
Tips For Blending Your Fruit
If you have chosen to start blending your fruit, here are some tips you can use in the kitchen:
- Use a variety of fruits: it can add depth of flavor and nutrients to your smoothies.
- Don’t blend veggies and fruit together. They can create toxic gases which can trigger digestive issues and “skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, acne, and urticaria.”
- Use a low-sugar liquid base, e.g., water or unsweetened almond milk. These can help to decrease the overall sugar content of your smoothie
Alternatives: Mashing and Chopping
Mashing and chopping are two alternatives to blending fruits which can be just as beneficial for nutrition.
When mashing or chopping, the fruit is not destroyed like it is when it’s blended. This means more nutrients such as fiber can be kept, unlike when you blend it, providing essential health benefits. Mashed or chopped fruits also take far less time to prepare than their blended counterparts and can still provide a tasty alternative to smoothies.
Both options are great for adding vitamins, minerals, and other essential micronutrients the body needs without losing any of the natural sweetness that comes with eating fresh fruit. It can also be fun to mix together different mashed fruits and do a little experimenting.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely
The age-old question of whether to bite or blend fruit has been debated for years. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and what’s best for each individual. Both biting and blending have their advantages, but ultimately it’s important to consider which option best fits your lifestyle.
Biting your fruit allows you to enjoy some crunchy texture. It’s also a bit more convenient if you’re in a hurry or on the go since there’s no need to stop and blend your snack. Blending is great if you want something quick, easy, and smooth that can be sipped through a straw or enjoyed with a spoon.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to choosing wisely based on your individual needs and preferences.
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