Is fruit juice as bad for you as they say?
Fruit juice is getting a hard time lately, with the media warning us about the high sugar content. The drink that, for many, was consumed almost every day growing up is suddenly considered a no-no. Today we answer some of the questions that you might have about fruit juice so that you can decide whether it goes into your trolley come shopping day or not.
Will juice cause weight gain?
As with most foods and drinks, drinking a moderate amount of juice is not specifically going to cause you to put on weight. The reality is that it’s the choices that you make all day every day about how many calories you take in, and how many you burn, that will determine whether weight is lost or gained. A 200ml glass of 100 per cent orange juice contains around 75 calories so as part of your overall daily calorie intake it is not going to make a huge impact.
Is juice as healthy as fruit and vegetables?
When juice is made, the fibre is removed with the pulp. So while it still contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, the fibre, which makes you feel full and satisfied, isn’t there to tell you when you’ve had enough. For this reason it’s best to exercise portion control. The important thing is to enjoy a wide range of fruits and vegetables in your diet so that you get the most nutritional benefit.
Which juice is the most nutritious?
It’s always best to stick to the 100 per cent fruit juices as they don’t contain additional sugars or additives. Each fruit or vegetable that goes into the juice will have different health benefits, so it really depends on what you wish to focus on. For instance orange juice is a good source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
What does it mean if the juice is made from concentrate?
Whether you choose juice that is made from concentrate or not is really a matter of personal taste. A juice made from concentrate means the water was removed when the fruit was harvested and processed, and then added back later on. For some people, juice made from concentrate doesn’t taste as good as juice that isn’t so just choose what you prefer.
How much juice should my grandchildren be drinking?
A small glass of 100 per cent juice (150ml) is a good amount for kids, and can be watered down if you feel it is too sweet. Serve it with a straw as this helps keep the sugars away from their teeth. Be sure to encourage good dental hygiene – brush their teeth morning and night and ensure they have regular check ups at the dentist.