New Delhi: Packaged juices, even the ones that come with the label “healthy”, are dangerous for health, and are low in nutritional value, warned experts, stressing the need to avoid them.
National Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to September 7. The theme this year is ‘Nutritious Diets for Everyone’.
Packaged juices usually contain minimal fruit pulp and are unhealthy due to their high sugar content, posing the risk of diabetes and obesity -- a rising health concern in the country. Processed juice also lacks fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Packaged juices are not healthy at all. They are high in sugars and low in nutritional value. When it comes to nutrition, the percentage of fruit pulp is low, while artificial flavours, stabilisers, sugar/ sweeteners/ fructose syrup are generally very high. Importantly, experts also recommended having fresh fruits instead of juices (both fresh/ packaged).
The expert called for eating fresh fruits that provide a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you’re aiming to maintain a healthy diet, it’s best to avoid packaged fruit juices altogether. Opt for whole fruits or freshly squeezed juices instead, as they offer the complete nutritional profile that your body needs.