Healthy Hollywood: Ask Keri Glassman — Should I Make My Own Juice?

Nutritionist Keri Glassman, who regularly shares her expertise on Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, is answering your nutrition, diet and health questions.

Want to know which foods to curb sugar cravings? Or, what should you eat before a workout? Ask Keri anything, HERE!

This week’s question…

I know juicing is HOT right now, so I’m trying to jump on board and get my juice on, but I’m not sure if I should make my own or buy store-bought juice. What’s the difference? And have you heard anything about the new juices from Starbucks?- Julia R., New York City

Keri says…

I’m not surprised this question has come up, because it seems like everyone is seduced by juice these days. Juicing is a great way to get in the vital nutrients from those greens if you’re not eating your recommended daily serving of veggies, but not all juices are created equal. I’ve been pressed so many times about juices, I guess it’s about time you squeeze those answers out of me. (Ha!)

Juicers can be broken down into two categories: centrifugal juicers (most likely the type you have at home) and cold press juicers (most likely the type of juicer used at your local juice bar). Centrifugal juicers use a fast-spinning metal blade that separates juice from flesh into separate containers while generating heat (aka centrifugal force). Cold press juicers, on the other hand, extract juice slowly by first crushing and then pressing fruit and vegetables for the highest juice yield without the use of heat. While centrifugal juicers may win the race to your glass, the problem with those fast spinning blades is that in the heat they produce, some of the enzymes in your fruits and veggies are oxidized and destroyed, rendering a less nutritious juice than a cold-press juicer. Either way, juicing is a great way to get your nutrients in, but for the optimal intake, cold press juicers are the way to go. Not to mention, cold pressed juicers also have the ability to process nuts. Almond milk anyone?

When it comes to making your own versus buying a juice at the store, I say it depends. It is possible to buy a cold press juicer for your home, but they can be bulky and quite pricey. If you’re someone who juices every day though, it may be worth the expense to splurge. But let’s give props where props are due: a homemade greens juice, no matter what type of juicer you use, is something to be proud of! If you are “allergic” to your kitchen, check the label on your store bought variety or ask the expert behind the counter what type of machine he/she uses.

Starbucks’ new juice line, Evolution Fresh, consists of all cold-pressed juices. But before you simply grab the brightest bottle and go on your merry way, flip around to that label. Often, these juices are made with mostly fruit and only a few veggies, which equals sugar overload. Some of the new Starbucks juices have up to 60 grams of sugar! (Yes, you read that right.) The cucumber pineapple ginger juice has an ENTIRE pineapple in it! I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine having an entire pineapple in one sitting. As a general rule, stick to GREENS juices which are all much lower in sugar. If you’re juicing at home, you have total control over your ingredients. Opt for mostly greens with a little bit of fruit to sweeten it if you like. Be adventurous and put your juicing skills to the test. You may just find it to be a new, flavorful part of your routine to help you get in all those vital nutrients.

— Keri Glassman & Terri MacLeod