Safety of Using Juicers

Safe Juicing

In our zest for better diets and healthful living, massive numbers of people have turned to juicers. Associating these machines with names ranging from Hippocrates to Jack LaLanne, marketers have done a tremendous job of conveying they are safe and healthy. But are they? The answer to that question is that it depends on how juicers are used. There are several actions that we can take to optimize the health and safety of juicers.

Protect Your Health

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Think about how you normally prepare fresh fruits and vegetables. You choose them carefully, ensuring freshness, wash them thoroughly and remove any blemishes that look "suspicious." You peel fruits that have been waxed and are careful to use clean utensils. You store leftovers in sealed containers in the refrigerator and eat or toss them after a couple of days. Guess what, doing those exact same things maximizes the safety of your juices.

Before making any dramatic changes in your diet, it is wise to check with a physician or nutritionist. A varied and balanced diet, rich in nutrients, as well as protein, fiber and some fat, is essential to good health.

Cleanse Your Juicer

Soapy Water

We have all had the experience of leaving fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator a bit too long. We know how they look and smell and that they can cause food poisoning if consumed. You do not want that inside your juicer. Fortunately there is a simple solution, wash your juicer thoroughly after each use. Most non-electric parts can go into the dishwasher or be washed in soapy water. In either case, be sure to dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling your machine. Juicer models vary, so check your user manual for specific instructions.

Avoid Electrical Hazards

Electric Shock

Mixing moisture and electricity may lead to catastrophic results. Fortunately you may juice safely by following a few simple rules: never immerse the main unit, power cord or plug in any liquid; don't operate the unit outdoors; don't operate the unit if the cord or plug is damaged; make sure that your workspace is dry before operating the unit; don't use any attachments that were not specifically designed to be compatible with your juicer; and don't allow the cord to touch hot surfaces.

Protect Against Physical Injury

Keeping the doctor away

Juicers have a good many moving parts. Operating them inappropriately may cause severe injury, but utilizing a few basic precautions can go a long way toward keeping you safe. Always keep hands and utensils away from the blade. Ensure the unit is turned off and unplugged before assembling or disassembling. Always use the plunger to push foods into the juicer. Don't allow any foreign matter, such as a necktie or necklace, near the opening of juicer's feed tube. Never operate a juicer when intoxicated.

Keep Children Safe

Not for children

Don't allow infants or young children to consume fresh juices without first consulting a pediatrician. Also remember that juicing machines should never be operated by children.

References

• Juicer Manual
• Automatic Juicers
• Dr. Wilson: Juicing risks