Without a doubt, the best way to increase your body's alkalinity and detox those nasty toxins setting up camp in your bloodstream is to consume a diet full of liquid chlorophyll. Green juices and green smoothies are packed full of this powerful nutrient.

Chlorophyll contains a potent blood builder that's said to increase red blood cells, improve circulation, ease inflammation, oxygenate the body and counteract harmful free radicals.

By consuming a diet high in chlorophyll (raw fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens), your body gets to dine on liquid oxygen - the very substance you need to stay alive and thrive.

But, to juice or not to juice. To blend or not to blend, right? Which is better?

The short answer is that they're both great. Fresh juices and smoothies serve two different, but equally important, roles in the well-being routine.

However, there are some fundamental differences and it's important to see which version of the green goodness your body responds to best.

 

Juicing Cred

 The juicing process takes out the indigestible fiber from fruits & veggies. This makes the remaining nutrients more readily available for the body and offers them in much larger quantities compared to eating those same fruits & veggies whole.

Juicing take a huge load off the digestive system and offers instant energy. Fresh juice makes a great breakfast or pre-yoga meal because it leaves you feeling light.

note: Store bought juices don't count because they're not raw. If they can sit on the shelf for a couple of days or weeks, do yourself a favor and head to the juice bar and get something fresh.

Blending Cred

Blending fruits & veggies to make smoothies produces a drink that still contains fiber. This means they will take a bit longer than juice to assimilate and require more work from your body. However, the fiber acts as a cushion to help slow down glucose absorption in the bloodstream and prevents our blood sugar levels from becoming elevated and erratic. Fiber also fills us up and helps diminish our physiological cravings. Yet another benefit of fiber is that it helps keep our digestive tract functioning optimally and keeps us regular, which is critical for ongoing cleansing efforts. It helps consistently remove toxins from the body.

Smoothies are more filling and are generally faster to make than juice. It's also easier to clean a blender than a juicer. Smoothies are an excellent choice when you're short on time or when you need a meal that's more filling. 

Tip: Try not to combine fruits and vegetables (with the exception of apples and pears) unless it a drink made with mostly leafy greens. It can cause fermentation and gas in your system. This is because most fruits have a high start content and don't mix well with things like carrots, beets, broccoli and zucchini. Starches are digested with different enzymes than those used for any other food group. Leafy greens seem to combine well with pretty much everything.
 

 

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is do what works best for your beautiful body. Simply including liquid nutrients into your diet is a big step down the wellness path and a thriving life.

If juicing makes you feel too light or ill, then blend. If blending makes you feel bloated or heavy, then juice. Go slow and experiment. If you need some guidance check out How to Make the Perfect Green Juice and How to Make the Perfect Green Smoothie.

If you're really ready to let these liquids work their magic by improving your health, reversing aging, dropping pounds and cleaning toxins out of your body, try a 3-Day Juice Detox.

Do you prefer juicing or blending? Why?