Whole fruit or juice? What's the difference?

Fruit provides us with a variety of nutrients essential for good health.

Different fruit provides different arrays of these essential nutrients.

By consuming a variety of fruit each day you can provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, carbohydrate and fibre.

These nutrients contribute to a healthy body and some nutrients have been linked with a decreased risk of various diseases such as heart disease and diabetes type 2.

Many fruits (and vegetables) are high in potassium which is associated with lower blood pressure.

The fibre content of whole fruit not only aids digestion, but is thought to help remove cholesterol from your body and may help lower blood-cholesterol levels.

Most fruit is low in fat and protein, and apart from fruit such as banana and dried fruit, is low calorie and low density due to high water content.

Fruit is a good source of digestible carbohydrate, mostly in the form of glucose and fructose, and fibre.

In addition, fruit is a good source of vitamin C, folate, carotenoids such as lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and anthocyanidins.

A few varieties provide small amounts of calcium and iron.

It is also thought that there are about 8000 bioactive compounds in fruits plus many unidentified compounds.

Some fruits may be perceived as difficult to consume, being messy to prepare, or bruising easily when transported.

Some people are concerned about the use of pesticides on maturing fruit trees and plants and so avoid fruit to prevent consuming residual pesticides.

Fruit juice may be seen as a good alternative to whole fruit as it is already prepared, is easily transported, can be purchased in a variety of outlets.

Because the outer skin where pesticides prevailhas been removed, juice is potentially free from pesticide contamination.

A small box of juice fits easily into a child’s lunch box and there is no peel or core to get rid of before and after consumption.

However, fruit juice may not be such a good alternate to whole fruit for a number of reasons: for example, nutrient value...link to the full article to learn more.