The Diet Logs

Fruit juices are a valuable source of certain vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients—unique compounds found only in plants. Researchers are actively studying these compounds in fruits and vegetables to see how they may help maintain good health.

Including 100 percent juices in your eating plan will help provide a wide variety of these healthful plant compounds. The important role of fruit juices in the diet was confirmed by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report. This report states that, with the exception of fiber, fruit juices provide substantial contributions of several vitamins and minerals. This shows that fruit juices are an excellent complement to whole fruits as part of a healthy eating plan. Juices, as well as other beverages, contribute to daily fluid intake. And, fortification of juices with nutrients such as calcium can help boost intake of important nutrients. 

One hundred percent juice can count as a fruit serving. Nutrition recommendations in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage increased intake of fruits, as well as vegetables, low fat or fat-free milk and whole grains. The MyPyramid food guidance plan, based on the Dietary Guidelines, provides eating patterns for individuals above two years of age. The specific amount of fruits that should be consumed each day is shown in the chart on page two. According to MyPyramid, “Any fruit or 100 percent fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed.”

One-half cup of 100 percent fruit juice equals 1⁄2 cup from the fruit group. While most fruit servings should come from whole fruits, a portion of the daily fruit intake can be from 100 percent fruit juice 

Daily Fruit Recommendations from MyPyramid.gov
Age Total Fruit per Day*
Toddlers 2–3 years 1 cup
Girls 4–8 years 1 cup
Boys 4–8 years 1 1⁄2 cups
Girls 9–18 years 1 1⁄2 cups
Boys 9–13 years 1 1⁄2 cups 14–18 years 2 cups
Women 19–30 years 2 cups
31 years+ 1 1⁄2 cups
Men 19 years+ 2 cups
*These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities. Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs.

100 Percent Fruit Juice Guidelines for Children
Amount Daily Age Group
No juice Infants six months of age and under
4–6 ounces Older infants (when able to drink from a cup) plus children 1–6 years
8–12 ounces Children 7–18 years 

sonjay08 wrote this on June 29th, 2008 and filed it under Diet Logs |