“Cold-Pressed Juice” may sound like just another example of slick marketing; however, it is a powerhouse source of nutrition, and there are benefits to drinking it regularly. But first, what exactly is cold-pressed juice? The term refers to the process of using a hydraulic press to extract the juice from fruits and vegetables by compressing them between two plates at a very high pressure. This process differs from the typical everyday pasteurization process, which involves using high heat to preserve foods. When juice is pasteurized, the same heat that kills bacteria also helps to prolong shelf life. So pasteurized orange juice will last for some time, but cold-pressed juices should be enjoyed within a few days.

We got into the cold-pressed juice thing a few years ago and now are known for offering “damn good food that’s good for you” at our three area restaurants. We showcase cold-pressed juice at Real, Damn Good Food’s Central Florida eateries: ReThink Food & Drink in the Mills-50 district, Winter Park’s Proper & Wild, and ReThink Food & Drink & Juice Bar in Altamonte Springs/Longwood. As you can imagine by its name, the Altamonte location specializes in cold-pressed juices. Something that sets Real Damn Good Juice apart from others is that we source farm-fresh, seasonal produce for the best taste possible, and we use local and organic ingredients whenever available. You also won’t find any added sweeteners, preservatives, or artificial dyes in our juice. Here are just some of the benefits of cold-pressed juice:

1.) Get the Nutrients You Need

Because no heat or oxygen is used in the cold-pressing process, nutrients do not get lost as they typically would during pasteurization. Vitamins and enzymes can be lost or destroyed by commercial juicing, while cold pressing gets the most liquid and nutrients out of the produce as possible. In fact, you can extract more juice using this method than by using any other type of juicing process.

2.) Increase Your Overall Health

Cold-pressed juice is packed with nutrients that fight toxins and supports overall health. Vegetables like carrots are often included in cold-pressed blends, are rich in potassium and fiber, as well as polyphenol and Vitamin C, making them powerful antioxidants that stimulate the brain and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Cold-pressed juice is also a great way to introduce new foods to your diet, as well as making it much easier to get in your recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables.

3.) Boost Your Immune System

The nutrients in cold-pressed juice feed your body’s good bacteria, which help to suppress pathogenic bacteria. Juice is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin A (i.e., carrots, watermelon, and spinach) and Vitamin C (i.e., oranges, broccoli, and lemons), which are all great for boosting your immune system.

4.) Energize

Without the fibrous pulp from the whole fruit and vegetables, cold-pressed juice is absorbed very rapidly by your body. Drinkers of it regularly experience an almost instantaneous energy kick within as little as 20 minutes. In fact, Chelsie starts every day with a shot of cold-pressed juice, usually Get Activated. When your body has an abundance of the nutrients it needs, and your pH is optimally balanced, you can’t help but feel energized. Juices alkalize your body, balancing the acidity levels that processed foods create. This can help your body to resist disease and also keeps your bones strong.

We invite you to visit ReThink Food & Drink, Proper & Wild, or ReThink Food & Drink to try a tall glass of cold-pressed juice. Here are a few of our favorites: (with photos)

Savage Garden: kale, orange, pear, cucumber, celery, and fennel

Red Earth: beet, pineapple, cucumber, mint, and aloe

Sassy Celery: celery, cucumber, spinach, parsley, and spirulina

If you’re looking to reboot your system for health, a juice cleanse might just be the answer. We offer three different cold-pressed juice packages: Gettin’ Juicy, Clean Green, and the Savage Standard. Learn more about our juice cleanses on ReThink Food & Drink blog.

Whether you choose to refresh with a tall glass of juice, start your day with a juice shot, or go for a full cleanse, we’re here for you. Chat with anyone on our restaurant team, and we’ll help you discover the best juice to meet your needs. You’re sure to find the cold-pressed goodness that helps you be the very best you, every damn day.