The Benefits of a Diet Rich in Juice Blends
Author: Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D.
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What are the health benefits of a diet including fruits and vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables are key components of a healthy diet as they provide a variety of nutrients needed on a daily basis, are naturally low in fat and calories and contain no cholesterol. In addition, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables protects from chronic diseases and enables optimal growth and development.
Juice made from fruits and vegetables is a great way to contribute to your child's daily servings of fruits and vegetables. But not just any bottle will do. When choosing a juice, read the Nutrition Facts panels to make sure you are buying a 100% fruit juice or 100% vegetable juice and not a "juice cocktail" or "juice beverage". These choices do not contain 100% juice. All Nestlé Juicy Juice flavors are 100% juice.
The serving size for children 4-6 yrs of age, based on the MyPyramid for fruit and vegetable juice, is ½ cup (4 oz.). The Food Pyramid recommends 8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, which means your children should be eating a minimum of 3 servings of fruits and 5 servings of vegetables daily. Unfortunately many young children are not getting the 8 servings of grapes and apples, sweet potatoes and carrots and all those other good things they need. How can you help? Plan to have a variety of fruits and vegetables readily available for meals and snacking. Fill a fruit bowl with polished green apples. Set out a plate of fresh strawberries with breakfast. Tuck a peach or plum in your child's lunchbox. By making fruits and vegetables a part of every meal and snack and you can easily provide the 8 servings recommended per day.