Does fruit juice count as fruit

[antoniojones1968]

A buddy of mine and I have recently had a debate about whether or not fruit juice counts as an actual fruit serving. He's a vegetarian and I've noticed that he eats a lot of fruit but he doesn't drink much fruit juice. He told me that fruit juice doesn't count as an actual fruit serving, even if it's been freshly squeezed. I find that really hard to believe and I think he's wrong. What do you guys think?

[ChristySmiles]

Um...I always thought it did. I mean I don't think the stuff from concentrate does, nor does the juice that has added sugar. But, if you were to freshly squeeze an orange for example, ya I think that's the same as a typical fruit serving.

[legendarytroy]

Actually, I think your friend may be write. I've heard that when you only drink the juice, while you are getting vitamin C (for instance) you are not receiving other benefits that you would get from eating the fruit, such a fiber. Therefore, while it's definitely not bad to have freshly squeezed juice, it's not as good for you as eating the fruit naturally and in its entirety.

[speeddemon]

It's not as good as easy a whole fruit, but it's definitely not bad for you. It does give you some benefits, especially if you get the pulp in there.

[treehuggertodd]

I agree with Speeddemon. It doesn't offer you all of the benefits that you need. There is no substitute for real, whole fruit. Nothing is as nutritious or provides you with as many benefits as a piece of fruit.

[antoniojones1968]

OK...so essentially, freshly squeezed fruit juice is good for you, but not as good for you as eating the whole fruit. So then, does this mean that there are a lot of nutrients in the skin of an orange, for example? I honestly just thought it as the shell...and also, does the peel (ew) have any benefits?