Drink real juice

Prepared Foods, Feb, 2003

A study published in the January 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association supports a trend that has contributed to children's obesity. Researchers found that children and adolescents are drinking more carbonated beverages and fruit-flavored drinks than 100% juice products, and that the change occurs in children as young as five years old.

Pure juice helps children achieve their daily RDA, and offers them nutrients such as vitamins A and C, folate and magnesium. While juice-flavored beverages can be fortified, researchers found they often contain less than 10% fruit juice, have excess sugar and do not offer the same nutrition that 100% juice does.

The study was conducted at the University of Florida, with support from the Florida Department of Citrus.