Do high-end blenders destroy nutrients?

[acdean]

I've been making green smoothies using a cuisinart blender. It does an OK job with its 0.9 HP motor but I've heard a lot of rave reviews from people on this forum that use Blendtec as well as Vitamix. I'm considering getting a Blendec Total Blender which has a 3 HP motor.

My concern is that these high-end blenders seem to be so powerful that the friction from the blades generate heat so much so that you can make steaming hot soup in several minutes.

If I want to make green smoothes and be able to preserve as much nutrients as I can, it seems that the heat generated from such as high powered blender will actually destroy some of the nutrients (which is what some manufacturers of juicers claim). On the flip side, I've also read that a high powered blender is needed to actually break through the tough fibrous walls of green leafy veggies.

I'm confused, does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is there any information available on what temperature should not be exceeded in order to preserve nutrients?

[jessirose]

I have read anything over 105 degrees kills enzymes, others have said up to 115 is okay.. I was wondering the same thing because even the pulp in my juicer gets warm, As does the body of my magic bullet. Recently wondering the same thing...

[Lady Green Jeans]

Good question. Some of the fruit that goes in my Vitamix for GS's is frozen. Some is not. The greens are fresh, unfrozen. I blend with either juice or water (usually water). The blending process is not overly extended where the contents of the container would go past thaw and start heating. It actually remains quite frozen for a wonderful smoothie. Recommend you give it a try--even in a regular blender. Very awsome and very energizing. Replaces my former coffee habit VERY nicely.

[Stina]

I thought that the point of these powerful engines is that they can easily blend stuff before they get warmed up. What I do know is that green smoothies are very energizing to me and the proof is in the pudding, raw pudding...so to speak.

[GlimR]

They only heat up if you leave the ingredients running for a bit...much longer than it takes to make a green smoothie, or indeed most raw foods...I LOVE my Vitamix and use it every day~:D

[acdean]

Thanks. Makes sense to me. Maybe adding ice cubes helps keep the temp down.

glimR, what do does numbers mean at the bottom of your reply? Just curious


thanks

[GlimR]

acdean~
High Weight 340 lbs
Starting Weight (100% raw -34 days ago) 268
Goal Weight 140

[Revvell]

If you can stick your finger in it, it's not too hot. I've had juicers get hotter, faster than my VM ever has.

Revvell

[Stina]

If you can stick your finger in it, it's not too hot. I've had juicers get hotter, faster than my VM ever has.

Revvell

Now Revvell- don't you be sticking your finger into it while it's running!

[Revvell]

Now Revvell- don't you be sticking your finger into it while it's running!


Ahhhh... *looks from finger to VM and back* ummm, okayyy! :D

[acdean]

Well, I decided to purchase the Blendtec total blender. Costco was selling them for about $379 and it came with a 7 year warranty. Made some soup out of raw veggies and some chicken stock. Came out perfect and I would imagine not too hot that it would destroy alot of the nutrients.

[Rubyred]

Well, I decided to purchase the Blendtec total blender. Costco was selling them for about $379 and it came with a 7 year warranty. Made some soup out of raw veggies and some chicken stock. Came out perfect and I would imagine not too hot that it would destroy alot of the nutrients.


I have a Blendtec too; they are great. You should be able to blend up a green smoothie quickly enough before it gets too warm. I always add ice cubes to mine because I like them cold. People who use regular blenders run the risk of the temperature getting too high because it takes much longer to blend.

I made some pecan and almond butters in my Blendtec and had to use a candy thermometer to keep the mix from getting too warm. You would be surprised at how easily the temperature can rise. It may feel slightly warm and yet it's reached over a 100 degrees. I would dump the nut mix into a bowl and stick it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes and that would cool it down. Blendtecs make great nut butters by the way. :p

[spiralgirl]

Well, I decided to purchase the Blendtec total blender. Costco was selling them for about $379 and it came with a 7 year warranty. Made some soup out of raw veggies and some chicken stock. Came out perfect and I would imagine not too hot that it would destroy alot of the nutrients.

acdean,

So you love your Blendtec then? I'm about to buy a new blender and have been split between the Blendtec and Vitamix. Anything you don't like about it?

[spiralgirl]

I made some pecan and almond butters in my Blendtec and had to use a candy thermometer to keep the mix from getting too warm. You would be surprised at how easily the temperature can rise. It may feel slightly warm and yet it's reached over a 100 degrees. I would dump the nut mix into a bowl and stick it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes and that would cool it down. Blendtecs make great nut butters by the way. :p


Rubyred,

I was wondering how this blender worked for almond butter. Did you use oil in it? Have you had any problems with your blender? I'm about to get a new blender.

[Rubyred]

Rubyred,

I was wondering how this blender worked for almond butter. Did you use oil in it? Have you had any problems with your blender? I'm about to get a new blender.


If it's not too late...

I haven't had any trouble with my blender and love it! I use it several times a day on most days.

It works great for almond butter. Once the almonds have been ground to a certain consistency they will release their own oils. My almond butter came out very oily. There is no need to add any oil. It took about 13-15 minutes total blending time, blending 30 seconds at a time. The only catch is you have to scape down the sides to keep it mixed, and at watch the temperature. That's why I put mine in the freezer for 10-15 minutes when it got too warm. Believe me, it's worth the trouble to make your own.

If you get the Blendtec I can tell you the blend speed that's best you get the Blendtec. I've also made pecan and walnut butters too. :p :p

[crystalmoon]

Hi I will need to save up for along time for a blendtec or vita-mix...I chose to get an excaliber dehydrator first, probably shouldnt have now i realise how important green smoothies are....anyway to get to the point...
Is it worth trying to make GS in a standard cheapo blender? Could I juice the ingredients first then re add the pulp & blend?
I know the vitamix breaks down the greens extra well so all the nutrients can be utilised, is there another metod to achieve same result?

[Stina]

Hi I will need to save up for along time for a blendtec or vita-mix...I chose to get an excaliber dehydrator first, probably shouldnt have now i realise how important green smoothies are....anyway to get to the point...
Is it worth trying to make GS in a standard cheapo blender? Could I juice the ingredients first then re add the pulp & blend?
I know the vitamix breaks down the greens extra well so all the nutrients can be utilised, is there another metod to achieve same result?

I've successfully made them in low-grade quality blenders, and lots of other people have mentioned it too. I'd cut up the greens into smaller pieces to start with and not cram them in whole like I do with a powerful Vita-mix. The real trick is to chew each mouthful slowly. Do the first-step of digestion yourself. Good question though. Green smoothies have been tremendously healing for me.

[crystalmoon]

Thank you so much Stina for your quick reply & encouraging words.
Ive been feeling disheartened cos it seemed like I wouldnt be able to heal/detox/alkalinise (dont know if thats spelt right) myself without an expensive blender. Im a single mum & am on incapacity benefit due to ill health so money is very tight to say the least! And I need the healing 'magic' of green smoothies so I can get back to work.

[EZ rider]

My concern is that these high-end blenders seem to be so powerful that the friction from the blades generate heat so much so that you can make steaming hot soup in several minutes.I have a vitamix and unless I am making a warm soup I always put in plenty of good quality ice and I don't run it any longer then is necessary to get the job done.

[Rubyred]

Hi I will need to save up for along time for a blendtec or vita-mix...I chose to get an excaliber dehydrator first, probably shouldnt have now i realise how important green smoothies are....anyway to get to the point...
Is it worth trying to make GS in a standard cheapo blender? Could I juice the ingredients first then re add the pulp & blend?
I know the vitamix breaks down the greens extra well so all the nutrients can be utilised, is there another metod to achieve same result?

There are several people who have said they use a standard blender. It just takes a lot longer. You will probably just wear it out faster than you normally would.

Also, you might try cutting your greens into small pieces with kitchen shears and then throw it in your blender, and then use lots of ice to keep it cool enough. Maybe add water, ice, greens and blend, then add whatever fruit you might want. I think the juicers do break down the greens (Anyone know for sure?)but, you don't get all the fiber.

Save for a blender. :) They are terrific for making raw foods. I make all kinds of smoothies, and other things in mine. Who knows, maybe you could get a used older model off Ebay for a really good price. :D I once bought a used, older model Palm Pilot for around $100.00. SOunds expensive but it was originally around $500.00, plus the seller threw in a few expensive extras. I would have paid around $700.00 for everything new, but who cares that it was a used older model. It was still in great condition. I got the great price because he wanted to upgrade - same could happen for for you.

[crystalmoon]

Hi Rubyred thats a great idea, thanks. I will check out ebay & amazon for used ones. Our charity shops in the UK (thrift stores?) arent allowed to sell electrical goods anymore so second hand kitchen stuff is hard to come by.
Ive got one very cheap blender & one thats abit better so they can keep me going for now...til i burn them out LOL
Think I will also put some wanted ads in local free papers & in shop windows.