Posted on: November 9, 2007
Get Juiced
Daily doses of some 100-percent fruit juices might be the trick to staying healthy, strong and mentally agile - so which are the best of the bunch?
By Apryl Chapman Thomas
CTW Features
Have you had a glass of fruit juice today? If not, you might be missing out on some important nutrients. While a whole apple a day can keep the doctor away, apple juice can do the same. So can grape juice, pomegranate juice, orange juice and other juices.
According to Sue Taylor, M.S., R.D., with the Juice Products Association, Washington, D.C., new research shows fruit juices to be even more beneficial than they were previously thought to be.
“The benefits have always been there, however more research is now showing exactly how beneficial certain fruit juices are,” Taylor says.
Steven Chen, M.D., at Valens Medical, Irvine, Calif., says not only are fruit juices a good way for everyone to consume the recommended daily allowance of fruits, the juices are also a good way to obtain important phytonutrients.
For example, flavonoids found in purple grape juice help prevent heart disease, says Lanah J. Brennan, R.D., Los Angeles. Orange juice may decrease the risk of kidney stone formation, and cranberry juice can decrease the risk of urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacteria from sticking to walls of the bladder.
Perhaps one of the more popular fruit juices currently on the market, pomegranate juice, may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. There is some evidence the new Noni juice may improve energy levels and physical performance.
Other emerging fruit juices include muscadine grape juice that has shown anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood glucose levels. Cherry juice is starting to show benefits as well, says Bonnie Glick, M.S., R.D., New York Methodist Hospital, New York.
“The key is to select 100 percent of any type of fruit juice,” Glick says. “A juice drink may only be 5 or 10 percent juice with added sugar and other things. You want to look for 100 percent.”
Brennan adds to look at the label. “You may want to purchase juices with added calcium, omega 3 fats and/or probiotics that have been added to the fruit juice,” she says.
Also, keep in mind that certain juices might interact with specific medications. She says grapefruit juice may interact with several medications including those used to lower cholesterol levels. There is a possible interaction between Coumadin (blood thinning medication) and cranberry juice as well. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before you buy fruit juices.
As tasty and convenient as juices can be, don’t go overboard. Balance and variety is important so don’t limit yourself to just one type of juice.
Eat whole fruit as well, especially for the fiber benefits, Taylor says. Remember that fruit juice is an exchange, not a replacement.
