Related Lit Essay

ZAMUCO, Ayla Maria Feliza V.
BSA4A
IS 100 PERCENT FRUIT JUICE HEALTHY? by Mike Samuels, Demand Media
The average American consumes around 30.3 liters of fruit juice every year. You may think fruit juice is a healthy way to start your day or a convenient method of increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Even though it has some health benefits, 100 percent juice also has drawbacks you may wish to consider before pouring your next glass.
100 Percent Juice
Juice labeled "100 percent" is made purely from the juice of natural fruits. It has no additives, sweeteners or preservatives in it, according to nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic. The vitamin and mineral content is far higher in 100 percent juice than it is in sweetened juice or fruit juice cocktails, she adds.
Benefits
A high intake of fruits and vegetables is essential for optimal health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a minimum of 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit per day for women and 2 cups for men, and a cup of 100 percent fruit juice can count as one of your fruit servings. Juice can also be an excellent provider of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C for men is 90 milligrams and for women 75 milligrams daily. Three-quarters of a cup of orange juice provided 93 milligrams of vitamin C, while the same amount of grapefruit juice has 70 milligrams and tomato juice, 33 milligrams.
Sugar vs. Fiber
While 100 percent juice may be a convenient way to consume extra vitamins and minerals, it can be packed with sugar. Nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden recommends eliminating fruit juice from your diet entirely -- it's full of sugar and has none of the fiber that real fruit does. While whole fruit is a source of dietary fiber, fruit juice actually contains little to no fiber. A cup of apple juice, for