Nutrition

Essential nutrients in a glass

Beverages can contain a wide variety of nutrients and can be an important part of a health-promoting lifestyle. In fact, some important nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, calcium, and folate are just thirst-quenching ounces away.

Many fruit and vegetable juices are naturally good sources of vitamin C, folate and potassium. Some vegetables juices provide beta-carotene and some fruit juices are fortified with important bone-building nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

The 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines advise nine half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Juices can help contribute to this goal, as long as most fruit and vegetable servings come from whole foods. Chances are you need more fruits and vegetables each day - national surveys show that most Americans don't consume enough fruits and vegetables. So don't forget to hit the produce and juice aisles on your next trip to the grocery store.

Milk is an excellent source of calcium and a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus and protein - and in the United States is also fortified with vitamin D.

Sports drinks are specially formulated to deliver fluids as well as carbohydrates and electrolytes that are easily absorbed into the body to supply fuel for muscles and to help replace water and salt lost in perspiration.

Some beverages also contain health-supporting antioxidants and phytochemicals including vitamin C, soy protein, and plant sterols.

Learn more about the types of beverages and why the nutrients and functional ingredients in your beverages matter. Functional ingredients are those ingredients or foods that may have beneficial properties beyond basic nutrition.

For example, plant sterols naturally sourced from plant extracts are now added to some juices to help reduce cholesterol¹. Soy protein found in soy-based foods, such as soy beverages, may reduce the risk of heart disease.² Learn more about functional ingredients