Whole Foods Juicing, Blending, and Mincing: Pros and Cons

Fruit and vegetable juice has become favorite drink of almost everyone because of its fresh taste and health benefit.  However, it doesn’t mean that we never try to consume fruits and vegetable juice in any other way like making into smoothies or munching the raw ones. Though all are healthy options, each has their pros and cons. Here they are.

Juicing Fruits & Vegetables

By making juice, it means that you remove the fiber and consume only the water and nutrients from either fruits or vegetables.


The nutrient content is high. In making juice, you will need more fruits than that amount you need for making smoothies. This way will increase the drink’s nutritional content.

It is easier to be digested. Not like smoothies and raw fruits or vegetables, juice lacks of fiber. This is good to give a break for your digestive system. This process will also let the body absorb the mineral and vitamin content quickly.


The sugar content is high. The removal of the insoluble fiber increases the sugar content, which can lead to increased insulin level.

The shelf-life is short. You must drink the juice for maximum 15 minutes after making it because air and light can break down its nutrient.

Blending Fruits and Vegetables

In blending, we will use the entire fruits and vegetables—sometimes even the skin and all.


It makes us creative and satisfied at the same time. Compared to juice, smoothies will make you feel fuller longer. To be creative, you can add some ingredients into the smoothies, such as almond butter, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds to make it a healthier drink.

The fiber content is high. The smoothies contain high fiber level, which is good to keep your digestive system in check.


It contains “hidden” calorie. The healthy added ingredients like chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and almond butter can increase the calories. But it doesn’t mean that you should not add them in your smoothies. You just need to moderate the amount.

You need to drink it quickly after making. Like juice, the nutrients in smoothies can be damaged in short time. On the other hand, gulping down smoothies within 15 minutes can be a challenge too.

Mincing Raw Vegetables

Mincing raw vegetables can give an alternative for snack, side-dish, garnish, or even meal. Finely chopping the vegetables will give you delish slaw.


The slaw feels like a meal. These finely chopped vegetables can be used for garnish, side-dish, or topping for sandwiches and salads. To add the health benefit, you can add organic extra-virgin olive oil.

The shelf-life is longer. Once you prepare the slaw, it can last until 24-48 hours.


It has digestive issues. The slaw contains high fiber level and is harder to be digested, which is not good for anyone with celiac diseases and other condition.

It takes longer prep time. Compared to the making of juice and smoothies, making slaw can take longer time, especially if you choose to chop by hands.