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~

[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

[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.