Tired of drinking soda and processed juice drinks? Now may be the right time to consider more natural and healthy drinks. Real fruit juices are a better option if you want vitamins, minerals, and more energy. Also, they are rich in antioxidants that help the body fight off disease-causing free radicals. But fruit juices are also naturally high in sugars, so consume them in moderation. Read on to discover 5 of the healthiest fruit juices.
Healthiest Fruit Juices
• Grape Juice
Grapes are rich in antioxidants and are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, potassium, and iron. In particular, red grapes contain resveratrol, a phytochemical that protects the body from certain chronic diseases. Grapes are known for their cleansing properties; they helps in cleansing the liver and removing uric acid. More importantly, the flavonoids in grapes protect the heart two ways. They help prevent the formation of plaque on the walls of the arteries, and also help the body fight harmful free radicals.
• Apple Juice
Apples are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, iron, and zinc. Keep the doctor away and boost digestive health by drinking apple juice. The phytonutrients in this fruit can help regulate blood sugar. Apple juice also helps improve brain function and is rich in antioxidants.
• Orange Juice
Orange juice is high in vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B9, and potassium that help boost the immune system. This fruit helps in reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Also, the limonoids present in oranges may help prevent various types of cancer such as lung, skin, and colon cancer.
• Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates contain many polyphenols that as as antioxidants. In fact, pomegranate juice has higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices. It also contains vitamins C, E, and K, as well as potassium and folate. Studies have shown that it may be helpful in stopping the growth of prostate cancer, and may also help protect the heart and arteries. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can also help reduce inflammation.
• Grapefruit Juice
This flavorful juice stimulates the release of cholecystokinin in the body, a hormone that helps regulate digestion, and also acts as a hunger suppressant. The organic acids in grapefruit juice also help create an alkaline condition in the body, which helps prevent acid formation and the many diseases that can result from excess acidity in the body. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.
What Fruit Juices to Avoid
Be wary of the terms juice drink, juice cocktail, and juice-flavored beverage. A majority of these products only have small amounts of real juice. Usually, their main ingredients are water, small amounts of juice, and sweetener (like high-fructose corn syrup). These drinks are similar to soft drinks: high in calories and sugar, but low in nutrients.
In addition, many juice drinks contain added sugar. Consuming too much added sugar could lead to weight gain, obesity, and related health conditions. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from these types of “juice drinks” (the artificial kind).
Conclusion
Real fruit juices are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But remember, too much of anything can be bad. While it’s true that fruit juice is a good source of nutrients, drinking too much can increase your sugar and calorie intake. Regardless of which juice you choose to drink, moderation and portion control are important. That is why we recommend sticking to one fruit juice serving (4 to 8 ounces) per day. It’s always best to consume whole fruits, but when you feel like having some fruit juice, now you know some of your best options. If you love fruit juice, go ahead and pour yourself a small glass today!