Eating fruits and vegetables is associated with good health as they contain vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. It also helps to reduce the risk of various diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer and type 2 diabetes. It benefits the immune system and gut health.
Juice made from ripe fruits using cold-press methods is considered to be healthy. In this method, the juice is made by using a hydraulic press. Such juices are 100% pure and contain no added ingredients. As the juice is not pasteurised it results in a low level of oxidation and the nutrient value is not lost. Cold-pressed juices have a higher percentage of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients.
The juices are sealed and packed and have to be consumed within 3 days. Such juices are available in the market and online. You can buy healthy juices and refrigerate them to improve the shelf life. Consuming cold-pressed juice is a way of increasing your intake of raw fruits and vegetables. Drinking a moderate amount of juice daily does not pose a health risk.
Benefits of drinking juices
- Juices made from fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. As they do not contain added sugar, consuming juices does not lead to overweight, dental decay or obesity. Cold-pressed juices contain most of the nutrients found in whole fruits.
- Adults who drink juices regularly have lower body weights and lower risk of being overweight or obese. They have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
- Juices contain plant-based compounds called bioactives which give the juice its color, flavour and taste. Fruit bioactives include carotenoids, polyphenols and more. Fruit and vegetable juices are considered a good source of compounds that are required in the diet.
- 100% juice is a good source of vitamin C and the second major source of potassium. This is more than consuming whole fruit. Vitamin C is essential for immunity, skin and more.
- Juices are easily available in the market throughout the year. It is a cost-effective way to get your daily intake of healthy nutrients.
- Juices are usually high in Vitamin C but orange juice and grapefruit are known to be high in potassium and carrot juice is known to be high in vitamin A. You can buy different juices to ensure you are getting enough of each vitamin and mineral. You can buy fruits and vegetable juices of different colours to help you get different nutrients.
Nutrients in the food have no value if they are not absorbed by the body. Juices are rich in nutrients and get absorbed by the body easily. Consumption of juices is associated with better-quality diets. Juices help to improve nutrient adequacy and are more convenient to consume.