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What is a Juice Extractor?

Janis Adams
Janis Adams

Whether electrical or manual, a juice extractor is a device that removes the juice from a fruit or vegetable. It can be hand-held and manually operated or free-standing and operated by hand or powered by electricity. A juice extractor is a device that differs greatly in its effectiveness depending on the power source behind it.

The daily intake of live fruits and vegetables, those that have not been frozen or processed, is considered a healthier choice than drinking those juices that have been processed. A juice extractor offers the opportunity to not only juice the fruit of vegetable, but to pulverize the skin, which in some cases contains vital nutrients that are often lost in the manual juicing process. It is recommended that people consume from five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and juice extractors can aid in this process, especially for those who do not like whole fruits and vegetables.

Juice extractors are used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.
Juice extractors are used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.

Most electric juice extractors will have a device that will eliminate or separate the pulp from the juice. Pulp is used by some who favor healthier lifestyles as an ingredient in recipes that do not necessarily even contain the juice from the fruit or vegetable. The pulp can be taken as a natural fiber source.

Juice extractor vary in their strength. Some extractors will simply remove the juice, leaving behind the basic hull and body of the fruit or vegetable. Other juice extractors can pulverize a carrot or a piece of ginger, separating every ounce of liquid from the pulp. While there are different components that distinguish the different types of juice extractors, the greatest deciding factor when choosing an extractor seems to be the amount of power offered.

Juicers can enable people to easily consume multiple servings of fruit in day.
Juicers can enable people to easily consume multiple servings of fruit in day.

The price range for a juice extractor can be extreme, beginning with those that run a few dollars and can be purchased at a local variety store all the way to those that run close to a thousand dollars and have numerous parts and juicing options. Choosing a juice extractor is best done once it has been determined what it will be used for. For example, a simple hand-held device is fine for extracting the juice of a lemon, lime, or orange. Wheat grass, leafy vegetables, and hard roots such as ginger will require a much more powerful juice extractor. A juice extractor, no matter its simplicity or complexity, offers the same result, a healthy alternative to processed juice.

Discussion Comments

Viranty

The second paragraph is what caught my attention the most, especially where it's stated that processed fruit juices aren't as healthy. For example, what's better, having a banana smoothie for breakfast, or drinking a nice cold glass of apple juice? Honestly, there are several deciding factors on this. While some brands of apple juice are rather healthy and all natural, others not so much.

They may be sweeter than other brands, and that's because of the high sugar content, such as corn syrup. As for the banana smoothie, unless you add sweeteners and fillers, it's one hundred percent natural. With only milk, bananas, and ice, everything is pure, so to speak. Making smoothies is one of the best breakfast decisions, and people should do it more often.

Krunchyman

Having experience with juice extractors, I can definitely say that from my perspective, the best ones are those that pulverize the fruits and vegetables completely. Whether it's a juice or blending machine, one thing that can really get in the way is having to clean all the pulp that's left behind. While it all comes down to many deciding factors, remember that the more powerful a juice extractor is, the less pulp it will leave behind.

Euroxati

I have never used a juice extractor, but lately I have been thinking of buying one, and the article is also giving me second thoughts. One problem I see in the long run though, is that it's too expensive. However, considering how it's a fancy machine that can extract the juice from fruit and and vegetables, the price is all the more worth it.

I'm also sure that there are some cheaper ones that can be bought. However, the quality might not be too good, and it may not even last that long. I do agree where the article says that you should first know what you'll be using it for, as that can help you to weigh the pros and cons, also noting that you'll only be using one or two food items.

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    • Juice extractors are used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Juice extractors are used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.
    • Juicers can enable people to easily consume multiple servings of fruit in day.
      By: volff
      Juicers can enable people to easily consume multiple servings of fruit in day.
    • A lemon reamer is the most effective way to get the most juice from the lemon.
      By: Viktorija
      A lemon reamer is the most effective way to get the most juice from the lemon.