Do Juicers Destroy Nutrients?
If you've ever dipped your toe into the world of juicing, you've likely come across a common concern: "Do juicers destroy nutrients?" It's a fair question, after all, you're investing in a healthy lifestyle, and the last thing you want is to lose the very vitamins and minerals you’re trying to consume.
At Juicers.co.uk, we get asked this all the time. So let’s set the record straight. Here's everything you need to know about juicing, nutrients, and what really happens when you hit that "on" button.
The Short Answer: No, Juicers Don’t “Destroy” Nutrients But…
Juicing can affect nutrient levels slightly depending on the type of juicer you use and how you store the juice, but the idea that juicing "kills" nutrients is largely a myth.
Most modern juicers, especially cold press (masticating) models, are designed to preserve as much nutrition as possible.
Understanding How Juicing Works
When you juice fruits and vegetables, you’re separating the liquid (juice) from the fibre (pulp). This concentrated liquid contains:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Antioxidants
- Enzymes
- Phytonutrients
These are the exact elements that support immunity, digestion, and energy, and juicing makes them more readily available for your body to absorb quickly.
What Can Affect Nutrient Levels?
While juicing does retain the majority of nutrients, there are a few factors that can impact how much goodness ends up in your glass:
1. Juicer Type
- Centrifugal Juicers: Use fast-spinning blades and generate heat. Some nutrients (like vitamin C and certain enzymes) are heat-sensitive, so small losses may occur, though this is usually minimal.
- Cold Press Juicers (Masticating): Use slow crushing and squeezing. These preserve more nutrients due to low oxidation and heat levels. They're the best option if you're serious about nutritional value.
✅ Pro Tip: At Juicers.co.uk, we recommend brands such as Hurom, Kuvings, Omega, Angel, and Sana for optimal nutrient retention. We also recommend other trusted brands; however, we would urge you to steer clear of ‘cheap’ unbranded juicers.
2. Oxidation
When juice is exposed to air, it starts to oxidise, meaning some nutrients break down over time.
To minimise this:
- Drink your juice within 15–30 minutes of making it
- Store it in an airtight container, preferably glass, in the fridge if saving for later
3. Produce Quality
The nutrients in your juice are only as good as the fruits and veg you put in. Fresh, organic produce will always deliver the best results.
What About Fibre?
One of the criticisms of juicing is that it removes fibre, which is true. However:
- Juicing isn’t meant to replace all your meals
- It’s a complement, not a substitute
- You can always reuse the pulp in soups, muffins, or compost
If you’re looking for more fibre, smoothies made with a high-powered blender are a great alternative, also available in our store.
The Bottom Line
Juicing is still one of the most effective ways to get a concentrated boost of nutrients, especially for people who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables. The idea that juicing “destroys” nutrients is outdated and oversimplified.
With the right juicer and good practices, you’ll be feeding your body with the nutrition it craves, without compromise.