6 healthiest juices to buy in store
How to choose healthy juice in the store (photo: Freepik)
Juice can be consumed at any time of day and is beneficial for health. A dietitian has identified the types of beverages that are considered the healthiest, Real Simple informs.
What to look for in juice
To determine which juices are best for the body, follow these recommendations:
- Choose 100% juice to avoid hidden inflammatory added sugars.
- For vegetable juices, look for varieties with low sodium, containing 250 milligrams or less per serving.
- Always select juices that contain pulp for added fiber.
- The brighter the color of the juice, the more nutrients it contains, as richly colored products are rich in phytonutrients that reduce inflammation as antioxidants.
- Avoid juices with added colors, preservatives, or unfamiliar ingredients.
- If possible, opt for freshly squeezed juices, as they contain more nutrients.
Healthy juice varieties
Prune juice
Prune juice is often recommended for promoting regular bowel movements due to its fiber content. It also contains potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium, which support bone health, as well as antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Dietitian Eliza Whittaker noted that juice made from plums boasts an impressive amount of iron, which can help treat or prevent anemia.
Tomato juice
Tomato juice contains lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation in the body, as well as vitamin C, which supports the immune system's proper functioning.
In this juice, you'll also find a lot of potassium, vitamin B6, and lycopene, which contribute to heart, immune, and eye health.
Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice is a favorite among children and adults due to its tangy sweetness. Additionally, pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and supports heart health.
In this popular juice, you will also find significant amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, which further promote immune and heart health.
Tart cherry juice
Tart cherry juice contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body and may even promote brain health. It can also aid better sleep, as it contains tryptophan and melatonin.
Carrot-ginger juice
When it comes to blended juices, carrot-ginger juice is hard to beat for overall health benefits.
It is rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Carrot juice supports vision and immune function, while ginger contains bioactive compounds that support immunity and are beneficial for digestion.
Pomegranate juice
Due to its high polyphenol content, pomegranate juice is linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. Additionally, pomegranate juice is one of the few examples where juice can be more accessible than the whole fruit, helping you reap the benefits.
What makes juice more or less healthy?
Whole fruits and vegetables consist of a "nutritional matrix" of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds within one structure. Juice breaks down this "matrix," removing the fiber that helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeps you full longer, and supports gut health.
However, not all fiber is lost in the process, mainly only insoluble fiber.
Moreover, some juices contain added sugars, colors, and preservatives that diminish the overall healthiness of the beverage. To avoid these ingredients, choose 100% juice and always check the ingredient list before purchasing. Ideally, this list should be very short and contain only the fruits (or vegetables) advertised on the packaging.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
