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Natural Awakenings National

Juice Debate Update: A Natural Source of Vitamins and Antioxidants

In recent years, some family physicians and pediatricians have been urging American parents to limit the volume of fruit juice that their children drink, due to the overall rising rate of childhood obesity. But now, a study published by the University of Michigan has found no association between childhood obesity and 100-percent fruit juice that has no sugar added. On the contrary, natural, pure fruit juices, the researchers report, are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants and provide many health benefits.

Orange juice, for instance, is more than just an iconic breakfast drink. It helps prevent kidney stones better than any other citrus beverage. Cranberry juice not only remedies urinary tract infections, but can help prevent them. And antioxidant-rich blueberry juice supports brain health, keeping the mind sharp. These latest findings show that fruit juices, as long as they are pure and natural, can be part of a wholesome health-promoting diet that’s not just for kids.


Source: University of Michigan Health System, 2007

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