Juices vs cold pressed juices: Which is better?

Sandhya Gugnani

Cold-pressed juicing, the latest in-vogue way of juicing. High-pressure processing juices are they really better for you than traditional pasteurized juices?

What is Cold-Pressed?

HPP works by applying very high pressure (not heat) to a bottle of freshly squeezed juice, and juices undergoing the HPP process are labeled as “cold pressed.” Once high pressure is applied to the raw juice, it is then placed into a container and sealed. Cold-pressed juices must be refrigerated and have a longer shelf-live than unpasteurized juices.

It's all in the method, as the name suggests, "pressed" so the maximum amount of nectar is extracted from the pulp and fibre, leaving a raw and fresh juice.

Why Cold-Pressed?

These juices contain more vitamins, minerals and enzymes than those made with a traditional centrifugal machine where fruit & veg is sliced by spinning blades, which can overheat and oxidize the juice, resulting in a nutrient loss.

Also it would be extremely difficult to eat enough greens to get the same nutrient impact, Green juices are very oxygenating and give you clear skin and bright eyes. It helps in cleansing & wash out toxins, giving your body a jump- start to health. One can mix veggies & fruits in raw form which you can’t do if you were to eat them whole like add an apple to spinach juice. Also drinking it is a lot easier than to eat the same quantity of raw veggies.

Pros vs. Cons

Cold-pressed juices also come with a higher price-tag, which could be a hole in your wallet. Storing also makes cold pressed juices expensive, the process of HPP (High Pressure Processing) where each bottle is made to float in high pressure water to restrict growth of pathogens. In addition, some folks use cold-pressed juices as their main form to take in fruits and vegetables. However, in fruit juices not only fiber is destroyed but high in calories and sugar. If you choose to drink cold pressed juices, they should not replace whole fruits and vegetables in the diet. Especially if you are on a weight loss program, you need to limit intake.

Dr Walker, the man who the concept of cold-pressed juicing said, "Eat your fruits and juice your vegetables." He lived till he was 99 so I guess it's safe to assume he was right.

Sandhya Gugnani is an expert Nutritionist. Visit her: www.yournutritionandhealth.com