Apart from the processes undergone by the fresh juice, fruit juice concentrate can be regarded as a problem solver to taste and nutritional fruit requirements without the use of fresh fruits for determination of flavor or nutrients.
Is it truly a healthy option? The much depends upon factors such as whether the juice is 100% fruit juice and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Fruit juice concentrate gives vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Still, having a good grasp of the drawbacks like a high sugar content and an absence of fiber is necessary.
This article discusses the health benefits and risks of using fruit juice concentrate, enabling one to make an informed decision about whether to include juice concentrate in the diet.
What Is Fruit Juice Concentrate?
Fruit juice concentrate is thinly sliced into thick viscous syrupy liquid by evaporating water content from freshly squeezed juice. The concentrate can later be reconstituted to the normal serving of juice. This saves and lightens the weight during storage and even during transport, thus, making it available and inexpensive. However, not all of them are like that. Some concentrates contain added sugars, flavorings, or preservatives, thus altering the nutritional value.
Nutritional Profile of 100% Fruit Juice Concentrate
To be true, 100% fruit juice concentrate which is made from pure fruit and free from additives retains a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants of the original fruit. Key nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and natural phytonutrients are commonly present. This makes it a pretty good option for individuals wanting to increase their fruit intake easily.
However, even 100% juice concentrate is naturally high in fructose, the sugar found in fruits. This means that consuming a lot of this stuff will spike one’s blood sugar level and lead to excessive calorie consumption, which may cause problems related to weight or metabolism as time passes.
To be on the safe side, you should read the label and look for “100% juice” and “no high fructose corn syrup” or artificial sweeteners in the ingredient list.
Tips for Healthier Consumption
It is deliciously very convenient to convert fruit juice concentrates to supplements, but it is a wise consumption to use so that it does not affect health adversely. Here are some tips on consuming the fruit juice concentrate in a healthier way:
- Only Go for 100% Juice Without Added Sugars
Buying juices, ask for “100% juice”; request that it be “not one drop” of added sugar, sweetener, or preservative. Most commercial fruit juices are filled with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweetener which increases the calorie count astronomically while draining every health benefit from the drinking.
- Keep Serving Size Small
Indeed even 100% fruit juice concentrate is calorie-dense and packed with all-natural sugars besides being nutrient-rich. Therefore to avoid over-indulgence, try to limit it to around 4-6 ounces per day.
- Dilute with Water or Sparkling Water
For being too sweet or concentrated, dilute the concentrate with water or sparkling water. This reduces the sugar in your drink and therefore lowers calories. Moreover refreshing and wonderful for hydration.
- Do not Drink Juice on Empty Stomach
With this kind of juice concentrate, blood sugar will rise very quickly if consumed on an empty stomach. The most effective method by which this adds to a daily sense of energy stability is in conjunction with a protein, healthy fat, or fiber source, as would be the case with a handful of nuts, a piece of avocado toast, or even a protein smoothie. This would act by slowing down the digestion of the sugars and keeping one fuller for longer.
These are very handy tips for the consumption of fruit juice concentrate in one’s healthy diet. Moderation is the key as it can do things that you do not know how you consume fruit juice
In summary
While fruit juice concentrate can be healthy, it needs to be taken in moderation and selected wisely. Choosing 100% juice without added sugars or sweeteners will provide the most benefits to health; the portions should be measured so that sugar may not be taken in excess. For other applications of fruit concentrate and its benefits, visit our wholesale fruit concentrate Concentrate page for a deep dive into the manufacturing process, varieties available, and health benefits.
