This is the big wellness trend of the moment. Supported by high-end brands such as Korean leader Hurom and its Raw Core Juice philosophy – which celebrates a natural and conscious approach to well-being, where juice is part of a daily vitality routine – cold extraction is attracting more and more consumers.
But beyond the pleasure and the marketing, is this method really better for our body than a classic fruit juice? Claire Trommenschlager, dietitian-nutritionist, helps us sort out fact from fiction.
Cold extraction: better preservation of vitamins?
The main selling point of extractors is their pressing mechanics. Unlike juicers or industrial processes, which can heat food, the extractor presses slowly and cold.
On a purely technical level, the nutritional advantage is real, as Claire Trommenschlager confirms:
“The advantage of these devices which extract the juice cold and slowly is that the absence of heat and light allows the nutrients to be better preserved. This is particularly true for vitamin C, which is very sensitive to it, as well as for antioxidants in general.”
Behind the “health” promise, the omnipresence of marketing
If the technical advantage exists, however, we should not overestimate its real effects on our daily health. The nuance between scientific theory and the reality of our cuisine is sometimes significant.
According to our expert, you have to know how to sort things out: “Although this process is technically preferable, it is heavily marketed. Brands play a lot on this argument to attract consumers who are looking for a truly healthy product, but we must put things into perspective: the nutritional difference is not that significant in reality.“
The dietitian also recalls a major temporal factor: “We must not forget that fruits and vegetables have already lost vitamins between their picking, their transport and their storage. If you leave them in the refrigerator for an additional week, the interest diminishes. To optimize the benefits, it is imperative to use the freshest products possible..”
The sugar problem and the big one: fiber
Whether cold pressed at home or purchased in a bottle, fruit juice always faces the same biological reality: the loss of the original matrix of the fruit. By removing the pulp, we eliminate what constitutes a large part of the nutritional value of the plant.
“The major problem with juice is that it is essentially flavored water, high in sugar, which certainly contains vitamins, but is completely devoid of fiber.“, alerts Claire Trommenschlager. “However, the fibers and the overall structure of the fruit represent its nutritional value. They are what promote satiety, require chewing and slow the absorption of sugar into the blood, thus limiting the glycemic index. Fruit juice therefore remains a sweet drink, despite its vitamin content. Eating a whole fruit will always be preferable, because you benefit from the same minerals and antioxidants, with added fiber..”
How to use your extractor properly on a daily basis?
However, should you put your device in the cupboard? No, because the extractor retains a real recreational and taste interest, provided that you adopt the right consumption habits.
“If you appreciate juices for their fresh and pleasant side, the extractor remains a nice tool“, says the dietitian. To optimize the impact on health, she offers a simple tip:
“I advise limiting your consumption to just one glass per day and combining fruit with vegetables, such as cucumber, spinach or carrot. This helps reduce the sugar load while varying your intake.”
Finally, the dietitian concludes by emphasizing an important point: “My comments apply exclusively to 100% pure juice. Nectars and other industrial drinks enriched with sugar have absolutely no nutritional benefit and should be put aside.“