Be honest, do you always eat the recommended number of portions of fresh fruit and veg on a regular basis? If you do, well done. If not, did you realise that drinking juice counts as one of your five-a-day?
Fruit juice boosts your nutrient levels. Photo: Flickr, Tawheed Manzoor
American researchers at Louisiana State University claim there are real benefits of drinking pure fruit juice. Their study, which was recently presented at a conference of the American Dietetic Association, suggests fruit juice drinkers are more likely than non-drinkers to have good levels of key nutrients including certain vitamins and minerals.
The problem is that many people are confused about juice, thanks to its high sugar content, the researchers explain. But given that so many people aren't meeting their daily requirement of fresh foods, a glass of juice (100% pure, no added sugar) is one way to improve your nutrient levels.
The researchers compared the nutrient intake in a large number of adults and discovered those who didn't drink juice were more likely to be deficient in several key nutrients, including vitamins A and C. They were also more likely to be lacking in the minerals magnesium, calcium and potassium, say the experts.
So which juice is the healthiest? According to scientists at the University of California, who have ranked juices according to their levels of antioxidants, top of the list is pomegranate, followed by grape, blueberry, black cherry, acai, cranberry, orange and apple.
Our tip: top up half a glass of juice with water (it makes it better for your teeth and your blood sugar levels).