Delicious and Nutritious!

The Following is from the Florida Department of Citrus:

STUDY SHOWS CITRUS JUICES Have SUPERIOR nutrient content

100 Percent Orange and Grapefruit Juices Deliver More Nutrients in Fewer Calories

In a time when consumers are flooded with so many confusing beverage health claims, 100 percent range and grapefruit juices stand out as nutrition champions.

A study by the University of Florida shows citrus juices provide more nutrients per calorie than other commonly consumed 100 percent fruit juices such as apple, grape, pineapple and prune.

The nutrient-density study, published in the May 2007 issue of the “Journal of Food Science,” offers another compelling reason why citrus juices deliver the most bang for the nutrition buck.

“Fruit juices vary considerably in the quantity of nutrients per calorie,” explains author

Gail Rampersaud of the University of Florida. ”The study uncovered just how much better the nutrient profiles of 100 percent grapefruit and orange juice are than other commonly consumed fruit juices.”

Citrus juices earned the highest nutrient-density scores because, compared to other juices in the analysis, they are lower in calories and higher in essential nutrients including:

Vitamin C: Orange and grapefruit juices have the highest level of one of the most powerful antioxidants, vitamin C. The vitamin works to neutralize free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases.
Potassium: After prune juice, citrus juices have the highest level of potassium which plays an important role in cardiovascular health.
Folate: Orange juice contained the highest amount of folate. Folate has been associated with reducing the risk for certain birth defects and may help lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood, has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment, when high levels exist.

Citrus fruit juices tended to be equal to or higher in vitamin A, thiamin, and phosphorus when compared to other juices in the analysis.

The study, co-funded by the University of Florida and the Florida Department of Citrus, used six methodologies to quantify the nutrient density of seven commonly consumed 100 percent juices including apple, grape, orange, pineapple, pink grapefruit, prune and white grapefruit. Pink grapefruit juice had the highest nutrient-density score based on all methods except one, where orange juice had a slightly higher score. Orange juice ranked second for all other methods. White grapefruit juice ranked third for all six methods.

Why Nutrient-Dense?

Since many Americans consume more calories than they need without meeting recommended intakes for a number of nutrients, the USDA 2005 Dietary Guidelines encourage consumers to eat more nutrient-dense foods, that is, foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively fewer calories. According to the guidelines, these foods offer important benefits such as reduction of risk for a number of chronic diseases, normal growth and development of children, and health promotion for people of all ages.

Consuming more nutrient-dense foods each day can easily be put into practice by following the health and nutrition steps available at www.mypyramid.gov. For more information on the health benefits of 100 percent citrus fruit juices, visit www.FloridaJuice.com.

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To view a full copy of the study, please visit http://www.floridajuice.com/oj_nutrient_density.php

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF 100% FRUIT JUICES

8 ounces	Florida Orange Juice	Florida Grapefruit Juice	Grape Juice	Apple Juice
Calories	110	94	152	113

Percent Daily Value*
Vitamin C	137%	120%	1%	3%
Thiamin	18%	7%	3%	2%
Potassium	14%	11%	8%	8%
Folate	11%	6%	0%	0%
Magnesium	7%	6%	6%	3%

Delicious and Nutritious!

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