7 Fruit Juices With Health Benefits

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends at least 2 cups of fruit for men aged 19 years and above per day and 1.5 to 2 cups for women of ages 9 and above. The good news is a cup of 100% fruit juice counts as one cup of fruit servings for the day. However, while some fruits have multiple health benefits to offer, others are nothing more than liquid candy. Therefore, it pays to be choosy when picking the type of fruit juices to indulge in. So what are some of the healthiest options available? Below are some of the top fruit juices that have an edge, nutritionally speaking, over the others.

Orange juice has a wide variety of health benefits, making it one of the most nutritious beverages available. It’s also easy to find and not as costly as the more exotic juices.
Taking fast food breakfast can trigger inflammation of the blood vessels. Research has shown that several glasses of orange juice prevent this inflammation. The juice has a high level of flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. Being an excellent source of vitamin C, it helps enhance the immune system. It provides folate, which is good for blood cell production, heart health, and protection against a birth defect known as spina bifida. Orange juice also keeps the skin healthy.

Some brands of orange juice are fortified with vitamin D and calcium, giving the added advantage of bone health protection. In general, orange juice can make a perfect healthy snack because it has lower calorie content than many other fruit juices.

The pomegranate, which is one of the oldest known fruits, is considered a symbol of eternal life, health, and fertility in numerous cultures. The ruby-colored fruit consistently receives loads of praise for the hefty amount of antioxidants it contains.

Pomegranate juice has a higher antioxidant capacity than green tea and red wine. It’s rich in polyphenols that help lower blood pressure and prevent clogging of arteries. It contains compounds called punicalagins that are excellent in treating heart problems. They’re also beneficial to the brain.

The phytochemicals in this fruit juice restrict the growth of aromatase, a major enzyme that contributes to the growth of breast cancer. The juice also helps minimize inflammation. Studies have also shown that it stimulates estrogen and serotonin receptors. Thus it’s useful in treating depression as well as other mild mental disorders.

A word of caution: pomegranate juice has a high sugar and calorie content, so don’t add sugar to it even if the taste is somewhat tart.

Cranberries are an antioxidant powerhouse and have medicinal properties. Their phytonutrients can help prevent many health problems.

Unsweetened cranberry juice is a natural remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI is one of the most annoying infections. Even after treatment is administered, it can take up to two days for the symptoms to fade away. Cranberry juice helps prevent the formation of bacteria in the bladder and deodorizes urine. It contains mannose, which protects the whole urinary tract from contracting an infection.

Cranberry juice also prevents bacteria buildup in the kidney and can be useful in the prevention of kidney stones. Its potent antioxidants also decrease the risk of heart diseases and some common cancers, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The high vitamin C content boosts the immune system. The juice also provides the anti-aging antioxidant, vitamin E.

Many times, cranberry juice is sold as a cocktail drink that’s loaded with sugar. It’s best to look for 100% juice to avoid the extra calories.

Many people know the benefits of red wine. A glass of red grape juice offers the same nutrients. Regular drinking of the juice is a good source of protein, vitamins A, B6, C, folic acid, and potassium. The resveratrol and flavonoids in the juice promote heart health. The flavonoids also play a role in maintaining gut health, making the juice help with weight loss. Resveratrol helps shield the body from chronic diseases like cancer and makes cells heal faster.

Anthocyanins in red grape juice boost brain function. They can improve the memory of older adults who have mild memory decline.

For centuries, acai berries have been used for healing purposes. Due to the richness of the berries in antioxidants, acai berry juice is perfect for heart health and the immune system. The drink also boosts energy and mental functions. It also improves cellular health and helps with detoxification, digestion, and weight loss.

Some of the components of this nutrient-dense fruit juice include omega-6 and omega-9, resveratrol, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. For juicing purposes, health food stores stock acai berries in the form of pulp or powder.

Tomatoes have a high amount of lycopene. People get more lycopene from drinking tomato juice than from eating raw tomatoes. Lycopene is beneficial to the heart and reduces the risk of testicular cancer in men. It has also been associated with reduced risk of other cancers such as cervical, ovarian, stomach, and lung cancers.

Tomato juice is also a great source of a range of B-vitamins, vitamins C, A, and K, and zeaxanthin, which offers protection against certain types of macular degeneration. Drinking tomato juice can also offer protection against emphysema, which is brought about by passive smoking.

Some tomato juice blends can have a high content of sodium. Look for a lower-sodium variety to keep blood pressure in check.

Prune juice has long been used to relieve constipation. It’s high in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol with a gentle laxative effect. It also provides potassium, which regulates blood pressure and may lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Prune juice is also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and iron.

Dinking these fresh fruit juices regularly makes people more focused, energetic, and much healthier. It’s perfectly okay to get a little adventurous and creative by trying out different combinations, such as orange and grape for an immunity-enhancing treat or pomegranate and cranberry to revel in antioxidant delight.

Happy Juicing!