Do you also wonder if blending is good for us or not? There’s a lot of debate around this topic, with some people saying that it destroys the nutrients in fruits. But is this just a rumor or is there some truth to it? Let’s dive in and explore the scientific basis, and see if blending is good or bad for us.
But initially, we will begin with:
What is blending?
Blending involves mixing and grinding different ingredients to create a smooth and consistent mixture. This process allows us to efficiently prepare various drinks and smoothies in a short period of time.
By blending, we can incorporate a range of nutrient-dense ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, etc. into a healthy and delicious drink. This drink can be quickly consumed, making it a convenient way to include more nutrients in our diet.
Yes, while blending, the cellular walls of the fruits are broken, but that does not mean that the nutrients are lost. Sometimes, due to the breaking down of nutrients, we can even consume a few hard nutrients easily. However, some experts still recommend consuming whole fruits and vegetables whenever possible. In this way, we will get more nutritional benefits.
However, blending is still an efficient way of incorporating various dense nutrients into our diet. Although it might not suit all of us, it can be a perfect choice for those looking for an efficient way of maintaining a good nutritional intake.
Does blending destroy the fruit nutrients?
There is an ongoing debate about whether blending fruits reduces their nutritional value. Some argue that blending destroys essential nutrients, making the drink less nutritious. However, others suggest that blending increases the absorption and availability of nutrients in our bodies.
Those who are against blending fruits point out that the fibers present in fruits are broken down into smaller units during blending. This can reduce the effectiveness of the fibers in improving our digestive health. Additionally, the heat produced during blending can lead to the loss of some important ingredients. All of these factors can be harmful to our bodies.
On the other hand, proponents of blending argue that it makes it easier for our bodies to absorb nutrients. The breakdown of fibers during blending makes it easier for our cell walls to absorb them, leading to better overall nutritional absorption. Studies have also shown that blended fruits can increase the production of antioxidants in our bodies.
So, this debate about whether blending fruits destroys nutrients still seems never-ending. But we can clearly state that both methods have their benefits to offer. It should ultimately depend on your choices and preferences, whether you want to consume whole fruits or blend them.
Scientific reasons behind the impact of blending on nutrients
We have been blending for a long time to combine or merge various ingredients to make nutritious and delicious food. So, there is long-standing confusion about the effect of blending on nutrients. It breaks down the nutrients into smaller units. Now, it will be easier for our cell walls to absorb them. But it even exposes the nutrients to oxygen and heat, which can lead to oxidation as well.
The magnitude of the nutrition loss depends on a handful of factors, such as the type of blender, temperature, period of blending, etc. When we prepare juices or smoothies in a high-speed blender, it will produce a higher amount of heat. Due to the heat produced, our juice can lose the necessary nutrients. Blending fruits for a very long period can also lead to the loss of nutrients through oxidation, as they will be exposed to oxygen.
Regardless of these drawbacks, the studies have highlighted various positive effects of blending a lot. It does not crucially affect the nutritional value of the drinks. We can digest the blended food much more easily than the whole fruit. In the blending process, the fibers are broken into smaller units so our cell walls absorb them even more efficiently. Thus, some nutrition might get lost in the process, but the benefits are also overpowering.
Benefits of blending
We use blending quite frequently for preparing juices, drinks, smoothies, hot soups, etc., which are favorable for our bodies. The most important and widely recognized benefit of blending is improved digestion and absorption.
By blending the fruits, we break down the nutrients into smaller sizes. Now, it is effortless for our body to absorb these nutrients in much higher quantities.
Blending fruits and vegetables is a great way to make the most of their nutrients and fibers. Although some people are concerned about the loss of nutrients during the blending process, the benefits of blending outweigh the concerns. Blending breaks the nutrients and fibers into smaller units, making them easier to absorb, even the plant-based nutrients that were previously difficult to digest and absorb. This means that your body can make use of these nutrients more efficiently.
By blending several fruits and vegetables in one sitting, we can get the benefits of their nutrients and fibers together. This is especially great for those who struggle to complete their daily food and nutrition requirements. Including blended drinks and smoothies in our diet is an excellent way to make it even healthier and more nutritious.
Probable drawbacks of blending
Oxidation is the major and most highlighted setback of blending. When we blend fruits and vegetables, the nutrients and vitamins are exposed to oxygen, leading to oxidation. This can break down vitamins and antioxidants.
When we blend fruits due to their exposure to oxygen, a chemical reaction takes place. This reaction can destroy the compounds. So, to avoid oxidation, we should consume a smoothie or drink just after preparing it. We should not leave it for long periods.
You might have heard about the excessive sugar in the drinks prepared in a blender. When we prepare smoothies with fruits with high sugar components, we might have a high sugar intake. Yes, natural sugar is much better than the added sugar in manufactured food, but excessive amounts of anything are bad. We might gain weight, and our chances of developing diabetes also increase. So, we can add ingredients like avocado, leafy greens, and many more because these have low sugar content.
Therefore, blending has numerous positive effects, such as convenience, better digestion, etc. We must also be aware of the setbacks of this process.
Final Words
In short, blending can be a great addition to our balanced diets. Although the debate on whether blending fruits destroys nutrients seems never-ending, it is generally agreed that the benefits of blending are much more significant than the setbacks. Blending makes it possible for us to consume several fruits at a time, which is difficult to consume as a whole fruit. This will bless us with optimum health.
Some people may find digesting blended juices easier as the nutrients and fibers are broken down into smaller units. Now, absorption will also become much easier. Now, we can easily add other healthy ingredients, like protein powder, nut butter, etc., to our diets as well.
The loss of nutrients has been a major concern for everyone. But if you consume a good combination of blended produce and whole fruits, you will not face any problems. However, including blended juices and smoothies in our diets can improve our overall health and welfare.
