THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF PACKAGED JUICE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

As consumers, all of us know that cold drinks like Pepsi and cola are not good for our health, but often, as their alternative; people suggest that you should drink packaged juice as it is a healthy and convenient option. But have you ever considered the potential risks of consuming this type of juice? In some aspects, these packaged juices are as bad for your health, as these soft drinks like cola. In this article, we will explore the potential risks of packaged juice and what you need to know to make informed decisions about your health.

Let’s start with fruits

ARE FRUITS HEALTHY?

Absolutely, fruits are an important part of our daily diets. Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for optimal health. Many of them are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an ideal choice for people looking to maintain a healthy weight.

 Here are some of the essential nutrients that you can find in fruits:

Vitamin C: Fruits like citrus, strawberries, and kiwi are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

Vitamin A: Found in fruits like mangoes, and apricots, vitamin A supports healthy vision and boosts immunity.

Fiber: Fruits are rich in dietary fiber, which helps in digestion and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Potassium: Fruits like bananas, avocados, and kiwis are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports nerve and muscle function.

THE SUGAR CONTENT IN FRUITS

It is true that fruits contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose, which contribute to their sweet taste. However, the sugar content in fruits is not the same as added sugars found in processed foods. The fiber in fruits slows down the absorption of sugar, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Additionally, the nutrients and antioxidants in fruits provide several health benefits that outweigh any potential harm caused by their sugar content. Antioxidants help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

FLAVONOIDS

Another thing which is found in fruits is Flavonoids. They are a group of plant-based compounds that are found in a wide variety of fruits. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties and have been the subject of extensive scientific research in recent years.

Flavonoids are widely recognized for their ability to fight inflammation, protect against chronic diseases, and promote overall health and wellbeing. Researches stated that it also improve our mood and decreased risk of developing depression.

HISTORY OF FRUIT JUICE

Fruit juices have been consumed by humans for centuries and you will find its mention even in Ayurveda. Ayurveda states that if you are tired, and want to get rid of the fatigue, you need to drink orange juice with a pinch of rock salt in it. Food juices are a crucial component of Ayurvedic healing, and they are believed to have various health benefits.

For example-

Triphala Juice

Triphala juice is made from three fruits – Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, and is believed to have numerous health benefits. It is known to be a natural detoxifier and helps in improving digestion. Triphala juice is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is considered beneficial for those suffering from arthritis.

Beetroot Juice

Beetroot juice is rich in antioxidants and is known to be beneficial for the immune system. It is also known to help in improving blood circulation and is believed to be effective in lowering blood pressure. Beetroot juice is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is considered beneficial for those suffering from arthritis.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is known to be rich in antioxidants and is believed to help in improving heart health. It is also known to be beneficial for the immune system and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is known to be rich in Vitamin C and is believed to have numerous health benefits. It is known to help in improving digestion and is believed to be effective in relieving.

You will find the mention of similar fruit juices in the old testament of the bible. For example, if grape juice is left untouched for a long time, it ferments and turns into wine. But during ancient times, fruit juices meant fresh fruit juices.

Before 1750s, fruit juices were not as common as they are today. The processing and preservation techniques that we used did not exist, so the juice had to be consumed shortly after squeezing. In 1750s the first case of preserving fruit juices took place. The English sailors of this time, who undertook long voyages (journeys), were often faced with a disease known as scurvy.

 It is a disease caused by a serious vitamin C deficiency. This was around 180 years before the discovery of vitamin c but Dr. James Lind’s experiments found that scurvy can be prevented by having oranges and lemons. So the royal navy of England mandated that the sailors be provided with lime juice and lemon juice.

But the problem was preserving the juices. They would be spoilt on the voyages spanning months. Someone noticed that the fruit juices could be preserved, by adding rum, water, and sugar to it.

This combination is popular as a cocktail nowadays known as Daiquiri. After that a man named Lochlan Rose, realized that to preserve the fruit juice rum and water weren’t actually needed, sugar alone could do it well. This was the discovery of the world’s first commercial fruit concentrate.

Also Lochlon Rose set up his factory and produced the rose lime juice for the sailors on ships. It was bottled and labeled attractively and used as medicine for the sailors. Around this time, there was another man in America Thomas Welch, a preacher at church.

 Unlike Muslims, Christians and Jews do not consider drinking wine sinful. In fact, bread and wine are part of their rituals. But Thomas Welch began an alternative movement.

 He told his flock (group) that they should stop drinking alcohol and replace it with his unfermented wine. Several churches agreed with Thomas, and a non-alcoholic community of Christians was formed. In fact, even outside the Christian community, some Americans were greatly enjoying grape juice.

 This is why, the place where Thomas Welch lives, Westfield is now known as the grape juice capital of the world. The American fruit juice industry started from here. Thomas Welch started using a new method of preserving the fruit juices longer.

This new method was Pasteurization. It basically means using heat to kill bacteria and viruses. Apart from grape juice, orange juice was pasteurized as well.

At this point in time, the packaged fruit juice business was doing better than the fresh fruit juice business and then, came an invention in our story that promoted fresh fruit juices. Raw foods advocate, Norman Walker, invented the first juicer. For the first time, a machine was created to first grate fruits and vegetables then squeeze them, with fresh fruit juice being poured out.

This was the early 1900s. Norman went to California and started his juice bar. All his life he promoted raw fresh foods and fresh juices and lived till 99 years of age.

 It is important to mention this, because back then, such a long life wasn’t common and perhaps, his healthy lifestyle can be credited for it. Moving on, in the late 1950s, the first grinding juicer was invented known as the champion juicer. After which came the centrifugal juicers.

After these inventions, the machines for extracting fruit juices become even more compact, convenient, and mobile. It meant that people could buy these machines for their homes.

Throughout history, humans have used various methods to extract juice from fruits, including hand squeezing, pressing, and grinding. Today, fruit juice is an important part of the human diet, and it is widely consumed for its nutritional benefits.

Early methods of fruit juice extraction

1. Hand squeezing, pressing, and grinding

2. Traditional methods of fruit juice extraction

3. Early machines used for fruit juice extraction

The earliest method of fruit juice extraction involved hand squeezing, pressing, and grinding the fruit. This was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that yielded small amounts of juice. Over time, humans developed traditional methods of fruit juice extraction that were more efficient, such as using wooden presses and ceramic mortars. In the 19th century, machines such as the screw press and hydraulic press were developed, making fruit juice extraction much faster and more efficient.

The turning point in the story of packaged juices came in 1963, when a Swedish company, tetra pak introduced their tetra brick packet. The owner of this company was a Swedish industrialist, Ruben Rausing. The history of fruit juices changed forever with this.

Not only was it possible to store fruit juices for months, also it could now be transported to far-flung areas, and in such a convenient package, it could be sold in a way that people could drink directly from the pack with a straw. Such a convenient and inexpensive process that we are still using tetra packs.

But what kind of juice do we find in these tetra packs today?

WHAT IS PACKAGED JUICE?

Packaged juice is a type of juice that has been processed and packaged for easy consumption. This type of juice is often sold in plastic bottles or cartons and can be found in most grocery stores. Packaged juice can be made from a variety of fruits and vegetables and is often marketed as a healthy option.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF PACKAGED JUICE?

While packaged juice may seem like a healthy choice, there are several potential risks associated with consuming it. To explain this first we should know about concentrated fruit juice.

WHAT IS CONCENTRATED FRUIT JUICE?

Concentrated fruit juice is the liquid that is left behind when you separate water from the juice.

The process of making concentrated fruit juice starts with freshly squeezed fruit juice. The juice is then heated to a high temperature that is high enough to evaporate most of the water content. The heating process results in a thick, syrup-like substance that is highly concentrated with natural fruit sugars and other nutrients.

This isn’t the only way of making concentrates. Today, there are many methods of doing this. For example- evaporation method, pasteurization, filtration method.

 Depending upon the method used to make this concentrate, often the flavor of this concentrate gets diluted. It doesn’t taste as fruity, so the companies add artificial flavors to it so that it tastes like the fruits once again. These fruit juice concentrates are then mixed with water to make these packaged fruit juices.

Artificial Ingredients

Another potential risk of packaged juice is the use of artificial ingredients. Many packaged juices contain preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors, which can be harmful to your health in the long run. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions, increase your risk of cancer, and lead to other health problems. Some companies use artificial colors in it like beta carotenes(INS 160a(ii), 160a(iii)) which is used as a food additive to impart yellow to orange color to food products.

Lack of Nutrients

Another potential risk of consuming packaged juice is the lack of nutrients. Many packaged juices are made from concentrate, which means that they have been stripped of some of their nutrients during the processing and packaging process. This means that you may not be getting the full health benefits of the fruits and vegetables used to make the juice.

In last come the final and perhaps the most harmful ingredient in packaged fruit juices which is added sugar. The sugar content in many packaged fruit juices is almost similar to soft drink.

 Added Sugars

One of the biggest risks associated with packaged juice is the added sugars. Many packaged juices contain a high amount of added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health issues. Consuming too much sugar can also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions.

Lack of fiber

 Unlike whole fruits and vegetables, packaged juice lacks fiber. Fiber is essential for digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Without fiber, juice can cause spikes in blood sugar, leading to energy crashes and other health issues.

Contamination

Packaged juice can also be a source of contamination. During the processing and packaging process, the juice can become contaminated with harmful bacteria or other pathogens. This can lead to food borne illnesses, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

HOW TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT PACKAGED JUICE?

While packaged juice may have some potential risks, it can still be a part of a healthy diet. To make informed decisions about the packaged juice you consume, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Read the Label

One of the easiest ways to make informed decisions about packaged juice is to read the label. Look for juices that are 100% juice and do not contain added sugars or artificial preservatives. You can also look for juice that has been cold-pressed or is made from fresh fruits and vegetables.

Check the Expiration Date

Make sure to check the expiration date of the packaged juice before purchasing it. Expired juice can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can increase your risk of food poisoning.

Choose Smaller Portions

Another way to reduce the potential risks of packaged juice is to choose smaller portions. Instead of drinking a full glass of juice, consider drinking a half glass or diluting the juice with water.

Make Your Own Juice

If you are concerned about the potential risks of packaged juice, you can also consider making your own juice. This way, you can control the ingredients and ensure that you are getting the full health benefits of the fruits and vegetables used to make the juice.

Practice proper storage

 Once you bring packaged juice home, make sure to store it properly. Keep it in the refrigerator, and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods.

Choose pasteurized juice

 Look for juices that are pasteurized, as this can help reduce the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria.

FAQs:

Q: Is packaged juice bad for you?

A: Packaged juice can be bad for you if it contains added sugars, preservatives, or lacks fiber. However, 100% juice with no added sugars or preservatives can be a healthy choice in moderation.

Q: What should I look for when choosing packaged juice?

A: Look for juices that are 100% juice with no added sugars or preservatives. Choose juices that are high in fiber or pair juice with a fiber-rich food to help regulate blood sugar.

Q: Can packaged juice be contaminated with harmful bacteria?

A: Yes, packaged juice can be at risk of contamination with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella. Look for pasteurized juice to help reduce this risk.

Q: Why Are Packaged Juices Low in Nutrients?

A: Packaged fruit juices are often touted as a healthy alternative to soft drinks, but in reality, they are low in nutrients. This is because the juices are usually pasteurized, which kills off most of the vitamins and minerals in the juice. Additionally, packaged fruit juices are often loaded with sugar, which can lead to obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Q: Why Should You Avoid Fruit Drinks?

A: Fruit drinks are another type of packaged beverage that is often marketed as a healthy option. However, most fruit drinks are loaded with sugar and do not contain any real fruit. Instead, they are made with artificial flavors and colors, which can be harmful to your health.