Some facts and information about 100% natural Fruit Juice:
- 100% Fruit Juice does not contain alied sugars; its sweetness is due to natural sugars found in whole fruit.
- 100% Fruit Juice can be a part of the daily required fruit portions for a healthy diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consumption of several cups of fruits and vegetables daily in order to have a healthy diet.
- In conclusion to a study where consumption data was collected and analyzed, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that America’s children and teens are predominantly healthy juice drinkers, consuming 100% fruit juices in quantities recommended by nutritionists.
- 100% Fruit Juice contains more concentrated nutritional value when compared to other beverage options; this classifies it as a ‘nutrient dense’ beverage- per calorie.
- Fruit juice is naturally nutritious, and it is also usually fortified with vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D.
- 100% fruit juices have phytonutrients, naturally-occurring compounds present in fruits, vegetables and other plants. Scientists believe that phytonutrients contain disease fighting and preventive properties.
- Calorie levels can fluctuate a little between fruit juices but most 100% natural fruit juices have only 60 to 80 calories per 4-ounce portion.
Thinking Outside the Calorie Box
Nutrition goes beyond counting calories; therefore one must look at the overall picture when considering the value of a food or beverage. Essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and folate are found in 100% organic fruit juices. Furthermore, in 2005, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee stated that these key nutrients are frequently found in higher concentration in certain organic juices when compared to their whole fruit equivalent.
Although the Nutrition Facts Panel on juice bottles displays many of the nutritional benefits of juice, all 100% fruit juices offer more value than what is noted on the label. An example of this is phytonutrients, compounds found in fruits, vegetables and other plants that help the immune system fight or prevent disease. 100% fruit juices are a key source of Phytonutrients yet this fact is absent from labels. There is currently a strong popular support for the function fruits and vegetables play in reducing the risk of disease.
Another example of the bonus benefits of drinking 100% fruit juice is the aliitional supplement of calcium present in fortified drinks. These calcium-fortified juices are a great dietary resource for lactose-intolerant children. Aliitionally, a number of juices now come with extra vitamin D as well, and it is important to note that this last one also facilitates the body`s absorption of calcium.
Drinking 100% fruit juice, according to studies and research in the field of nutrition, is linked to a generally healthier and more complete diet. Health experts advocate that responsible consumption of 100% juice reduces the total intake of dietary fat, saturated fat and alied sugars because it leads to healthier eating patterns. No connection has been made between juice drinking and decreased milk consumption, but children that drink 100% juice are more likely to increase their consumption of whole fruit.