Los Angeles, Ca, February 21, 2015 – I’m asked the question – Can and should I drink fruit juices?
When you drink juices you miss out on all the fiber that’s found within the fruit. The fiber (pith, skin, flesh, etc.) slows down the digestion process of the fruit juices and prevents the juice from entering your system too quickly. By eating everything you can, keep your energy level at a consistent high as opposed to creating a spike and drop effect from the concentrated juices.
Juices also tend to be very filling. Have you ever considered why your children drink their orange juice and leave a full plate of breakfast? When fruit juices, like orange juice, are added to a child’s breakfast routine, children tend to drink the orange juice first and by the time they finish they’re full leaving no room for the important breakfast foods. Unfortunately, the juice is metabolized quickly and can leave your child hungry at school and less likely to focus on the day’s material.
It may take some time getting use to the addition of whole fruits to your diet rather than fruit juice, but it’s definitely worth it. The great news about eating your fruit instead of drinking it – you’re more likely to eat the appropriate portion size, fruits will help keep you regular and you’ll get the same health benefits plus additional ones.
Whenever I would visit my grandmother she would always have a mere half cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. I was always shocked at how little she gave herself. What I didn’t realize was she had a perfect portion of juice and the portion I drank every morning was three times as much as I needed. Today I start my day off with an orange or a handful of blueberries rather than a glass of juice.
We don’t all have the luxury of fruit trees in our backyard, but that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the benefits of fresh fruits. I never thought about the importance of eating my fruits instead of drinking them, but now I think it’s something to think twice about.
Answer – Whole fruits are almost always better than juices.
