Is it a myth or a fact, that a glass of fruit juice is as healthy as having a bowl of fresh seasonal and regional variety of fruit?
Let's check it out ourselves and decide:
- One of the recorded benefits of fruit skin is the ability to lower the risk of cancer, due to the presence of pigments such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Juicing, unfortunately, deprives us of enjoying these benefits.
- The juice extracted at home is definitely hygienic but a lot of nutrients (and especially fiber) are lost. Consider eating whole fruits as it provides more satiety. This is because of the fiber. You also feel full for a longer period as compared to fruit juice, which does not affect our overall food intake.
- Many of the fruit juices sold in packaged bottles and tetra packs contain added sweeteners and in fact may be as bad as aerated beverages and colas. Because of the added sweeteners we consume more calories without getting any actual nutrition. And yes, at times they also contain preservatives to increase shelf life. It is always advisable to read the labels carefully as they provide you with a clearer and better picture of that particular product.
- The colorful and attractive glass of juice you buy from the local vendors to quench your thirst might be contaminated, and instead of doing good may actually harm your gut. So you should be careful with where you get the juices, especially during the monsoon season.
So think before you leap forward to pick up that tall glass of juice full of sugar, minus fiber, plus a preservative. Instead, enjoy the crunchiness of a whole fruit.
Let your creative juices flow and add fruits to your salads and meals, like sprout and fruit salad, apple and paneer sandwiches, fruit and nuts porridge etc.
(But of course, fruit juices can be a source of energy and nutrition for convalescent, elderly people, and infants.)