By Victor J. Alfonso Jr.
FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service
Nowadays, “juicing” has become the trend among the
fitness-focused population.
Juicing is a convenient way
of infusing one’s diet with much-needed vitamins and minerals from fruits and
vegetables.
It is also a great way of
detoxifying the body, preventing disease and losing weight.
Plus you can brag about your
juicing, which makes you look cool and trend.
However, is juicing every
daily, okay?
According to the recent 2008
Food Consumption Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the
Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), there was a decrease in the
consumption of fruits from 104 grams per day in 1978 to 54 grams per day in
2008. While vegetable consumption of 145 grams per day in 1978 decreased to 110
grams per day 2008. Filipino households seem to overlook the importance of
fruits and vegetables in their diet.
Fruits and vegetables are the
most significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Fruits and vegetables also
provide additional health benefits such as fiber and phytochemicals known to
lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and micronutrient deficiencies.
Nutrition experts recommend
that an average Filipino adult should to consume at least three servings of
vegetables and two servings of fruits.
A serving of vegetables is equivalent
to one-half cup or 40 grams (g) of non-leafy and one cup or 25 g of leafy
vegetables.
One serving of fruit ranges
from 45 to 300 g, and is equivalent to one medium-sized or one slice of a big
fruit.
Despite numerous health
promotion campaigns to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, reasons
like “takes too long to prepare”, “fruits and vegetables are seasonal”,”they
spoil quickly”, and “don’t really like eating fruits and vegetables” are still
given by many people.
Thus, juicing provides an
easier option to consume the daily recommended amounts for fruits and
vegetables.
Juicing is an easy way of
preparing and consuming fruits and vegetables. It is a practical way of using
about-to-spoil produce, which helps reduce food wastage.
Also the water content in
fruits and vegetables can help you stay hydrated.
However, having an all-juice
diet is not a good idea because you need to have a well-balanced and healthy
diet containing protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Also, some foods don’t juice
properly, like meat and bread.
In addition, juicing destroys
fiber in fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps in regulating blood sugar levels,
gastrointestinal regulation, lowering cholesterol level and providing satiety
value.
Juicing may help one lose
weight in the short term, but can seriously harm the body if left unchecked.
So, the bottom line is,
juicing in moderation can help you consume essential nutrients, but sole intake
of juices is not advisable as a replacement to a regular healthy balance diet.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and
Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General
Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164;
Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like
our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at
twitter.com/FNRI_DOST
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