What is cold-pressed juice? More and more we hear that phrase and see it on bottle labels of juices on store shelves. But what exactly does it mean? And are all cold-pressed juices created equal?
Here are 3 things to know before you choose which cold-pressed juice to try.
- Is Cold-Pressed Juice Good for You?
Raw, cold-pressed juice is amazingly good for you. Juice provides you with nutrients in a form that is extremely easy for your body to absorb and utilize. For those with high levels of stress, poor sleep, or regular use of Rx and OTC medications, I can guarantee that your digestion is compromised. There is nothing easier to digest than cold-pressed juice.
The juice of a plant is where all of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes are found. When you drink a fresh juice, you’re giving your body immense nutrition from a massive amount of fresh produce in a concentrated form.
- Is Cold-Pressed Juice Pasteurized?
Well, that all depends on the juice. At Raw Generation, we like to keep our juices raw and as fresh as when they are first pressed. In order to do that, we do not use extreme or even gentle pasteurization methods (these methods apply high heat for varying lengths of time and destroy most vitamin content, all enzyme activity, and destroy the flavor). Instead, to safely process our juices we flash-freeze them at extremely low temperatures immediately after they are produced. Freezing is the only option that effectively preserves and locks in the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and flavor, so that when you thaw out and drink your juice, it’s still as good for you as if it was made just minutes ago.
- Benefits of Cold-Pressed Juice vs. Store-Bought Juice
Many companies will claim the title of "cold-pressed" juice by using a processing method called HPP (High Pressure Processing) . While some nutrient content is preserved, this method applies intense pressure to juices that indirectly raises the temperature of them, thus destroying enzyme activity and degrading flavor. The reason why so many store-bought juices use this method is because it unnaturally extends the shelf life of a pressed juice.
Whether a store-bought (or mail-ordered) juice is pasteurized, gently pasteurized, or High Pressure Processed, the quality and ingredient integrity is compromised. If a juice can sit on even a refrigerated shelf for more than a few days, it is not truly "raw" regardless of what the label says.
If you want to achieve real health benefits, the juice you choose to consume needs to be 100% raw. When juice is cold-pressed and unpasteurized, it retains the enzymes that your body needs to heal and thrive.
Vibrant foods & juices = a healthier, more vibrant YOU.