Drinking in the facts on juice and the health of Canadians

Re: Canada’s new Healthy Eating Strategy will pay huge dividends — July 4

With the upcoming release of the new Canada’s Food Guide, there is an important conversation going on about 100 per cent juice and its place in a healthy, balanced diet for both children and adults.

In its 2015 Evidence Review for Dietary Guidance, Health Canada stated that 100 per cent juice contributes positively to Canadians’ fruit and vegetable serving consumption for children aged 2 to 18. Considering three out of five Canadians are not eating the recommended minimum five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, juice is clearly a vital factor for Canadians in achieving their daily nutritional requirements.

Data from Health Canada’s Evidence Review shows that juice represents, on average, one serving of the fruits/vegetables that Canadians currently consume. It should also be noted that there is no link to 100 per cent juice consumption as a cause for obesity.

Scientific studies show that 100 per cent juice is a significant contributor of vitamins and minerals (e.g. vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and some iron) to Canadians’ diets.

For example, a half-cup or 125 mL serving of 100 per cent orange juice, which is the current Canada Food Guide recommendation, contains the same amount of sugar as one medium orange, and provides 50 per cent of an individual’s recommended daily intake value of vitamin C and 15 per cent of the daily value of folate.

The decision by Canadians to enjoy 100 per cent juice as part of a healthy diet, and to retain 100 per cent juice as a part of the new Canada Food Guide, should be informed by sound data and scientific/nutrition evidence.

John Delacourt

Executive director, Canadian Juice Council Toronto