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

[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!

[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.

[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.

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.