The Value of Fruits and Vegetable Juices in Diet

A man's health is a very significant part of his lives. To say that health is money is not only to utter an ancient, used up mantra, but to imply that remaining fit and safe is similar to being rich for most human humans, for a person's everyday existence is affected primarily by the state of his mind and body, particularly by the existence and lack of certain illnesses.

Many individuals go through numerous attempts to remain fit, keep excellent health, and guarantee longevity. Examples of these methods include strict physical fitness practice, having a balanced and healthy diet, keeping an optimal weight, and utilizing an effective stress management method.

Poor health may be triggered by a number of distinct variables such as bad eating patterns, absence of practice, stress, and excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. For one, unbalanced consumption of nutrients can trigger excessive or deficient consumption of nutrients, which will definitely influence ordinary tasks of the body. These nutrients are essential for development, metabolism, and other tasks of a person. There are about six nutrients that the human body needs in distinct quantities to conduct its multiple procedures. These are: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, or nutrients known to provide the body with energy; and minerals, vitamins, and water, or nutrients that promote the metabolism of the body.

Water, the last nutrient in the list, is sometimes called the forgotten nutrient, but it is considered as the most important. Water is necessary for the bodys growth and metabolic processes. It runs through the blood and lymphatic system, carries oxygen and distributes nutrients to the cells, and rids the body of toxins and wastes in the form of urine and sweat. If water and its other liquid substitutes are not present in the human diet, food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion would be impossible.

The human body is made up of two-thirds water. It needs eight to ten glasses of water or caffeine- and alcohol-free liquids to replace the water it loses during the day. The bodys need for water is satisfied by the intake of other drinking liquids free from caffeine and alcohol, such as juices; fruits and vegetables, which are made of 80 to 95% water; meat products, which are made of 50% water; and cereals like rice and oats, which can contain as much as 35% water.

Fruit juices, on the other hand, have been scientifically proven to give certain health benefits, provided that they are taken in moderation. Nutritionists also suggest that fruit juices should be taken in their pure state, and people should only drink 100% fruit juice. Cranberry juice is believed to prevent urinary tract infections; grape juice is believed to lower the chances of blood clots in the heart; and orange juice is believed to prevent stroke and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Though these popular beliefs have no scientific basis to their therapeutic claims, most scientists say that many fruit juices are indeed healthy to drink. Pure orange juice, for example, is very rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid. Other fruit juices that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and anthocynanins (water soluble pigments found in plants which act as antioxidants) include grape juice (purple), pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. It is believed that juices that are made from fruits with rich colors such as grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, and blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. New juices from black currants and Tahitian noni have also found their way in the international market.

Recent scientific studies have also claimed that the antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetable juices can help lower a persons risks of developing Alzheimers disease. Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances found in most plants and have the potential to help combat heart diseases and fight cancer.

Freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins which catalyze chemical reactions occurring in the body. These enzymes also produce the energy needed for digestion, absorption, and conversion of food into body tissues. An increased intake of fruit and vegetable juices ensures that the body will efficiently absorb more minerals and vitamins.

Another helpful benefit of fruits and fruit juices is their ability to promote detoxification in the human body. Fruits help to cleanse the body, especially those with high acid levels. Tomatoes, pineapples, and citruses such as oranges, red grapefruits, and lemons are known for their detoxifying properties. While these fruits promote cleansing, they still provide the body with a high boost of Vitamin C!