The nutritionist answered whether juice can ruin the diet: she advised when it is useful to drink it and when to stop.

In Lithuania, more than 50 million are consumed each year. liters of various juices, nectars and fruit drinks. One of the most popular myths is that juice made from concentrated juice is not natural.

“The words ‘made from concentrated juice’ on juice packaging still cause negative emotions in the consumer. The term “concentrate” sounds similar to “preservative”, although no preservatives are added to the juice; juice pasteurization ensures a long shelf life. Juice concentrate means that some of the water extracted from quality fresh fruit juices is removed, which is then returned during production. These juices retain all their nutritional properties, so there is no doubt about their naturalness ”, Marius Gudauskas, 25-year-old director of the Eckes-Granini Lietuva juice, nectar and fruit drinks company, told the media.

Juice for diet – yes, for detoxification – no

The doctor-nutritionist Edvard Grišin is convinced that many myths about juices are born from ignorance or belief in everything that is written online.

“Rumor has it that the juice is not for dieters. In fact, juice is an excellent alternative to fruits and vegetables, so by adjusting your diet and including more fruits and vegetables in your diet, you can replace some of them with natural fruit or vegetable juices with pulp. It is necessary to remember that juice is not a drink, but a food with energy value, so when monitoring the amount of calories consumed, it is necessary to calculate the nutritional value of the juice ”, says E. Grišin.

Another popular myth is that juice perfectly detoxifies the body. According to a nutritionist, juice is not the best way to cleanse the body; detoxification is a natural process that juice can slow down.

“Consuming large amounts of juice to cleanse the body can cause unpleasant sensations: bloating, indigestion or heaviness. A healthy and balanced diet, a sufficient amount of fluids and foods rich in fiber help to detoxify the body”, advises the dietician.

No added sugars, only 100% natural juice

Another popular myth about juices is that they contain too much sugar; To disprove this myth, M. Gudauskas suggests paying attention to what is written on the juice packaging.

“All fruits have natural sugars, some more, some less, but the sugar content can only be changed by making nectars or juices. For example, to enhance the taste of cranberry juice, it can be sweetened and sweet juices such as Grapes can be further diluted so that consumers can enjoy a healthier alternative with less sugar. In both cases, it will be marked on the juice package that it is a juice or nectar drink, respectively, “says M. Gudauskas.

The 100% natural juice is not artificially sweetened, the sugar it contains is of natural origin. The vitamins in juice are also natural, disproving another myth that juice does not contain useful trace elements.

“Juices, like fruits and vegetables, contain vitamins and microelements that are useful for the body. If a person does not have the opportunity to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, it is possible to drink juice,” says E. Grišin.

Juice expert M. Gudauskas notes that a glass of 100% Elmenhorster orange juice satisfies more than 50 percent. Recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Caution with medication

However, another myth that juice can inhibit the effects of medications taken is closer to the truth. According to a dietitian, pineapple and grapefruit juice can affect the active ingredients of the drug, so users should more closely consult the package insert for possible side effects when used with certain juices.

“When consuming juice, it should be taken into account that certain juices, or more precisely the flavonoids they contain, can interact with liver enzymes that break down blood thinners. Such is apple and cranberry juice. Therefore, when taking anticoagulants, you should consult your doctor about choosing the right diet ”, emphasizes E. Grišin.