Myths and realities about juice (4)
Myth no. 4: Drinking juice is not equivalent to eating fruit
Realities
Why not enjoy both as complementary foods?
In North America, many people don’t consume the daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables recommended by nutritionists. Why is that? The reasons range from being too busy to have lunch, too busy to have a snack, and being on a tight grocery budget. Then there are the folks who say they just don’t like vegetables very much. Or fruit. So there are a host of personal reasons that have nothing to do with the variety and quality of fruits and vegetables available on the market, depending on the season.
You can find imported strawberries in winter, but they are never as delicious as those that ripen in the fields in early summer. Eating a peach that tastes a little too mealy isn’t pleasing to the palate. And going to school or work without an apple or some carrots in your lunchbox because you haven’t gone grocery shopping is not your best bet for a balanced diet. So drinking a glass of 100% pure juice is a great way to get the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need, in addition to tickling your taste buds.
In the right amount, juice can be enjoyed by children and adults alike as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
And what is the right daily amount? For toddlers from two to three years old: a maximum of 4 oz or 118 ml; for children from four to six years old: 4 to 6 oz or 118 to 178 ml; for children six years and over as well as adults: up to 8 oz or 237 ml
Consumers who are pay attention to what they eat have no reason to avoid juice. And for those who care about the environment it’s good to know that manufacturing juice prevents the waste of ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables on grocery store shelves. They lose none of their benefits when pressed, bottled and poured to yield a delicious glass of juice.