Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many servings of fruit should I consume every day?
Q2: What is an antioxidant?
Q3: How much Vitamin C do I need every day?
Q4: What fruit exchange does juice equal?
Q5: What are the benefits of antioxidants ?
Q6: Which fruits provide the most nutritional benefits??
Q7: Which are the best fruits for anti-aging?
Q8: Which are the best fruits for a healthy heart?
Q9. Is juice too high in sugar?
Q10: What are the benefits of beta carotene?
Q11: What are carotenoids?
Q12: How much folate should I consume daily?
Q13: What are the benefits of folate?
Q14: What are free radicals?
Q15: For fruits with skins, like apples, should I eat the peel?
Q16: What is a phytochemical?

 

Q1: How many servings of fruit should I consume every day?
A: Nutrition authorities across the globe agree: a diet full of fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining good health. While requirements may vary from country to country, The World Health Organization recommends consuming three to five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

 

Q2: What is an antioxidant?
A: Antioxidants are naturally occurring plant compounds that protect the body by neutralizing free radicals, or unstable oxygen molecules, which can damage cells. Some of the best known antioxidants include Vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids.

 

Q3: How much Vitamin C do I need every day?
A: Scientists have estimated most adults need 75-90 mg of vitamin C per day. Some leading sources of Vitamin C include guava, red/yellow bell peppers, papaya, kiwifruit, oranges, broccoli, and strawberries. Eating one serving of any of these foods will put you well on your way to meeting your body's daily need for vitamin C.

 

Q4: What fruit exchange does juice equal?
A: Serving sizes vary somewhat from region to region. In the European Union 200 ml (about 6.8 ounces) juice is considered a serving, while the US FDA considers 120 ml (4 ounces) to be a serving. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommend that people who require 2,000 kcal a day eat about two cups of fruit daily. While the Guidelines recommend that a majority of recommended fruit servings come from whole fruit, a half cup serving of 100% fruit juice is considered the equivalent of a half cup serving of whole fruit. The World Health Organization recommends 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day, out of which the majority should come from fresh produce. Juice can be a portion of the daily servings.

 

Q5: What are the benefits of antioxidants?
A: Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body by neutralizing free radicals, or unstable molecules, which can damage cells. Antioxidants can be naturally occurring, as found in plants, or synthetic.

 

Q6: Which fruits provide the most nutritional benefits?
A: Certain fruits --¹such as pomegranates, blueberries, oranges, kiwis and mangoes -- are so packed with vital nutrients that they are often referred to as "superfruits". ²⁰ These superfruits, with unique smells, textures and tastes, are loaded with natural nutritional value. They¹contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants, needed to nourish your whole body. ²¹

 

Q7: Which are the best fruits for anti-aging?
A: There is no magical way to stay young or slow the aging process. Low fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables (foods that are low in fat and may contain dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C) may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

 

Q8: Which are the best fruits for a healthy heart?
A: Maintaining a diet high in potassium (and low in sodium) is one way that may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. A diet high in potassium helps blunt the effects of salt on blood pressure. Fruits and juices containing potassium, such as bananas and orange juice, are beneficial to heart health. Also, many fruits and vegetables provide soluble fiber, which helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.

 

Q9. Is juice too high in sugar?
A: Juice that is 100% juice doesn't have any added sugars or sweeteners. Most leading health organizations recommend limiting juice servings, even those of 100% juice, to one serving per day, with additional fruit servings coming from whole fruits.

 

Q10: What are the benefits of beta carotene?
A: Beta carotene is a type of carotenoid (a family of phytonutrients) that imparts a yellow or orange colour to some plant foods. Beta carotene acts as an antioxidant and when converted in the body to vitamin A, contributes to heart health, vision health and a healthy immune system.

 

Q11: What are carotenoids?
A: Carotenoids are a classification of fat-soluble plant pigments or phytonutrients that are known for having antioxidant properties. Carotenoids include alpha carotene, beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, gamma carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

 

Q12: How much folate should I consume daily?
A: The World Health Organization has set Recommended Nutrient Intakes of 600 mcg/day for pregnant women, 500 mcg/day for lactating women and 400 mcg/day for all other adults.

 

Q13: What are the benefits of folate?
A: Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Folate assists in cell division as well, which makes it a critical nutrient during pregnancy, as it may help reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

 

Q14: What are free radicals?
A: Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules that may cause cell damage that leads to heart disease and cancer. Stress, smoking and overexposure to the sun cause an excess of free radicals. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables help neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing their negative effects.

 

Q15: For fruits with skins, like apples, should I eat the peel?
A: By all means, yes! The edible peels of many fruits provide additional fiber, nutrients, flavour and texture. Just be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly with clean water before eating.

 

Q16: What is a phytochemical?
A: A phytochemical is a plant substance that may provide a variety of health benefits beyond basic nourishment. Many of the bright colours in fruits and vegetables are due to these plant pigments. Phytochemicals are grouped according to their biochemical characteristics and purported protective functions in the body.