Cold-pressed truth: Are juices still worth the hype

Walk into any health café or wellness store today, and you'll find rows of gleaming bottles promising everything from “glowing skin” to “instant detox.” Cold-pressed juices have become the go-to elixir for those chasing a healthier lifestyle — but are they really as magical as they seem, or just another passing wellness fad dressed in green?

- TDG NETWORK

WHAT EXACTLY IS COLD-PRESSED JUICE?

Unlike regular juicing, which uses high-speed blades that generate heat and may destroy nutrients, cold-pressed juicing relies on hydraulic pressure to extract liquid from fruits and vegetables. This process preserves enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, making the juice more nutrient-dense. The idea sounds perfect — more nutrition, less processing — but the truth is a little more nuanced.

Cold-pressed juices do retain more vitamins (like A, C, and K) and antioxidants compared to conventional juicing, especially when consumed fresh. But these benefits have a short shelf life. Once bottled, exposure to light and oxygen begins to degrade nutrients, often within a few days. That's why most cold-pressed brands stress on “consume within 72 hours” — after that, the juice might still taste good but lose much of its nutritional edge.

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