Why blend when you can just eat?

After I posted the last article, someone asked me a very good question: "Why blend the fruit if you can just eat it?"

After all, there is a reason why we were born with teeth. Chewing is an important first step in your digestion. The enzyme in your saliva helps to break food down. Plus, by slowing down and chewing your food, you derive more satisfaction during the eating process, and the process of chewing enables your body to send signals to your brain that you are getting full. That is why when you eat slowly, you tend to eat less - it takes about twenty minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full.

And if you're not careful, by using a lower quality blender, some of the nutrients and even fibre from the fruits and vegetables may be destroyed from the heat of the blender.

It's beginning to sound like a poor case for blending. So why blend?

Why Blend Instead of Eat?

If you use a good blender, you will be able to preserve most, if not all, the nutrients and fibre from the fruits and vegetables. You can blend any part of the fruit or vegetable that can be eaten, including the skin and even the seeds of certain fruits. This means you won't miss out on the reason you're eating the fruits and vegetables in the first place (for the nutrients and fibre).

The problem with chewing and eating fruits and vegetables is the very same reason why it is recommended that you chew and eat your food - you consume less. It would be great if you're trying to lose weight and cut down on fatty or unhealthy foods, but the problem is that you may not be able to consume enough fruits and vegetables for your daily nutrition intake.

By blending your fruits and vegetables, you are able to consume more fruits and vegetables in a glass compared to what you can take in a meal. It's also a great way to get your kids to get their complete daily serving of fruit and vegetable, especially if they are not able to eat very much or are picky eaters. By getting the right mix of fruits and vegetables, you can make a delicious smoothie that includes one or two items that your kids may dislike when consumed on their own.

So, Should We Blend Or Should We Eat?

The choice is really up to you. Of course, the best way to consume fruits and vegetables is to eat them, just like Mother Nature intended. Blending a smoothie can be used as an option for those who want to increase their daily fruit and vegetable intake, or for those who simply prefer the taste of blended fruits and vegetables. The important thing is that you still get your recommended daily nutrition, and that you are eating your fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy!

Namaste,
Sze Yen

Note: This article is not meant to replace your doctor's advice. Please check with your doctor or your nutritionist whenever you are in doubt.

Have you tried Surya Yoga's Juice and Salad Bar yet? We have a wide variety of juices and healthy salads that you are sure to enjoy!