As winter draws near, poll reveals that fruit juice is one of top three foods for immune function

Five things to know about fruit juice, from experts at the Fruit Juice Science Centre

LONDON, Nov. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A poll¹ of more than 1012 Brits, commissioned by the Fruit Juice Science Centre, has found that two thirds of adults (65%) drink 100% fruit juice to support their immune function. The beverage was most frequently listed after fruit and vegetables amongst the top immunity-support foods.

However, there was less awareness about the nutrients provided in fruit juice, with just half agreeing that a daily glass is rich in vitamins and minerals. Fewer than a third knew that antioxidants – such as vitamin C – can be found in fruit juice. And most didn't realise that fruit juice contains polyphenols – beneficial plant compounds also found in fruit, vegetables, and cocoa.

With internet searches on vitamin C soaring during the pandemic, nevertheless four in ten Brits didn't know that vitamin C is necessary for healthy immune function. This is despite six in 10 being more aware of immune health since the pandemic.

Commenting on the survey, Dr Carrie Ruxton from the Fruit Juice Science Centre -  fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en - said: "Awareness of how a glass of fruit juice supports normal immunity has improved but there are still a few misconceptions. Considering that 100% juice is simply squeezed fruit – and has practically identical sugars, vitamins, and positive bioactive compounds compared with whole fruit – there is still a lot of nonsense claimed about fruit juice.

"A key myth is that sugar is added to fruit juice, which it isn't since that would be illegal in the UK. Another is that the vitamin C in packaged fruit juice is destroyed – that's also untrue. Neither is it correct to say that pure fruit juice contains preservatives and colours, although thankfully only one in 10 people in the Poll believed that."

Five facts on fruit juice – from the Fruit Juice Science Centre

1. Just one small glass of 100% fruit juice provides more than 80% of the vitamin C recommendation. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and essential for normal immunity;
2. Orange juice is one of the richest sources of hesperidin, a polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory effects;
3. Fruit juice is high in potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure;
4. It takes 1-2 oranges to make a 150 ml glass of fruit juice and all the sugars in fruit juice come from the fruits used to make them – none is added;
5. Apple, orange, and grapefruit juices are all low GI (glycaemic index) meaning that they raise blood sugars more slowly compared with high GI foods, such as rice, bread, or sugar-sweetened drinks.

What about sugar

The Fruit Juice Science Centre poll found that eight in 10 adults believe that 100% fruit is not high in sugar. Additionally, a quarter of Brits (24%) think that pure fruit juice is actually low in sugar. The reality is that a typical glass of orange juice contains the same level of natural sugars (around 13g) as a couple of oranges.

Dr Ruxton says: "Fruit juice is enjoyed by millions of people every day and most seem to recognise that it has a positive role in the diet. Given that most of the sugar we eat comes from sugar-sweetened soft drinks, biscuits, cakes, confectionery and desserts – foods which are low in essential nutrients – it's clear where we need to turn our attention to cut sugar intakes."

About Fruit Juice Science Centre

The Fruit Juice Science Centre is a science information body. Our mission is to provide evidence-based information on the role of 100% fruit juice in diets and health.

https://fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en 

¹ Independent poll of 1029 UK adults; data on file.