Juice has become one of the most prevalent health trends in the last few decades. From detoxifying juice cleanses to immunity shots, juicing has officially made its way into the mainstream. While plenty of health trends aren’t as cure-all as advertised, people all around swear by cold-pressed juice and its benefits. We asked an expert to give us the scoop on cold-pressed juice and whether or not it’s really better for you.
- Mia Syn, MS, RD, registered dietitian and national on-air nutrition expert based in Charleston, South Carolina
What Is Cold-Pressed Juice?
So what exactly makes a juice “cold-pressed?” You guessed it: no heat used! Registered dietitian Mia Syn says that “cold-pressed juice is produced using a hydraulic press that extracts juice from fruits and vegetables without generating significant heat and while minimizing oxidation.” She mentions that this method helps “preserve more nutrients compared to traditional juicing techniques.”
What’s the Difference Between Cold-Pressed Juice and Regular Juice?
“Regular juice typically uses centrifugal juicers that spin at high speeds,” says Syn. “This creates heat and exposes the juice to more oxygen, which can lead to nutrient loss through oxidation.” Despite this, Syn says that it’s important to note that “the scientific evidence supporting significant nutritional advantages of cold-pressed juice over other types of 100% juices is still limited.”
Is Cold-Pressed Juice Actually Better for You Than Regular Juice?
The answer isn’t totally simple. Even though Syn says that “cold-pressed juice can be considered superior to regular juice in terms of nutrient retention because its extraction method minimizes heat and oxidation,” there are other steps you need to take to ensure that your juice is as nutritious as possible.
“With any juice, it’s important to ensure that the sugars are naturally occurring rather than added,” says Syn. “It’s also important to note that both cold-pressed and regular juices lack dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health.” So while drinking a cold-pressed juice can be a good way to get your vitamins in, Syn says that “it’s best to enjoy juice in moderation and to balance it with whole fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy overall diet.”
What Are the Best Ingredients to Use in a Cold-Pressed Juice?
Thinking about making your own juices at home? We got the deets on the best ingredients to use. “The best ingredients for cold-pressed juice are a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to help maximize the nutrient profile, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” says Syn. This includes:
