Juice often gets bad press as a potential contributor to childhood obesity, but recent research tells a different tale, finding that, in fact, juice can have some very real health benefits for kids — provided they drink the right type.
Vitamins and minerals
According to the American Dietetic Association, “with the exception of fiber, fruit juices provide substantial contributions of several vitamins and minerals.” While juice should not be thought of as a replacement for whole fruits and vegetables, 100 percent juice does help to complement an overall healthy diet — one cup of fruit juice counts as one fruit serving in the nutritional pyramid. Additionally, 100 percent fruit juices that are fortified with additional vitamins and calcium help to boost overall nutritional intake in growing bodies. Make sure you don’t confuse “real juice” for those made with added sugars, artificial blends and sweeteners. The powerful health benefits of juice for kids lie in those that are marked as “100 percent juice.”