The Truth About Processed Food
There is a lack of knowledge regarding the composition of the food we consume and the nutrients they contain. Processed and packaged food may seem convenient, with a longer shelf life and lower cost, but it often lacks essential nutrients. Processed food tends to be high in sugars, oils, and sodium, which are not meant to be consumed in large quantities on a daily basis. These factors contribute to the prevalence of food-related health conditions. For instance, freshly squeezed, 100% fruit juice contains numerous nutrients. However, once the juice is processed and packaged, it loses a significant portion of its nutrients and gains excessive sugars.
The Importance of Freshly Squeezed Juice
Despite the drawbacks of processed juice, many people enjoy a refreshing glass of juice, whether it’s orange juice in the morning or grape juice at lunch. Fresh fruit juice is often recommended as one of the top immunity-supporting foods because it comes directly from the produce. A recent poll conducted by the Fruit Juice Science Center (FJCS) revealed that 65% of Brits, over 34% of French adults, and more than 34% of German adults drink 100% fruit juice to support their immune function.
However, it’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the fruit juice available in the market is processed and pre-packaged. By consuming processed juice, you might be missing out on essential nutrients found in fresh juice. Many people are surprised to learn that most boxed juice isn’t fresh. To ensure you’re getting pure, natural juice without added sugars, it’s important to read labels and choose carefully.
Unfortunately, this knowledge is not common among the general population. Only half of the adults surveyed by the FJCS agreed that a daily glass of juice is rich in vitamins and minerals. Less than a fifth of people in France and Germany, and just a third of people in the UK, were aware that fresh fruit juice contains antioxidants like vitamin C. Moreover, a significant portion of the population in Britain, Germany, and France did not know that vitamin C is necessary for a healthy immune function.
Five Important Facts About Juice
1. Just one small glass of 100% fruit juice provides more than 80% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which is essential for normal immunity as an antioxidant.
2. Orange juice is rich in hesperidin, a polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Fruit juice is high in potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure.
4. It takes one or two oranges to make a 150 ml glass of fruit juice, and the sugars in the juice come solely from the fruits used to make it. There are no added sugars.
5. Apple, orange, and grapefruit juices have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they raise blood sugar levels more slowly compared to high GI foods like rice, bread, or sugar-sweetened drinks.
Sugar and Fiber Content
Dr. Ruxton emphasizes that juice is enjoyed by millions of people every day, with many recognizing its positive role in the diet. However, most of the sugar consumed comes from sugar-sweetened drinks, biscuits, cakes, confectionery, and desserts – foods that lack essential nutrients. To reduce sugar intake, it’s important to pay attention to these sources. Surprisingly, the FJSC poll found that eight in 10 adults believe that 100% fruit juice is not high in sugar. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population in the UK, Germany, and France mistakenly believes that pure juice is low in sugar. In reality, a typical glass of orange juice contains the same level of natural sugars (around 13g) as a couple of whole oranges.
Fresh juices are rich in soluble fiber, which supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and promotes digestive health. Soluble fiber has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and slow down the digestion process. While some oats, nuts, and beans also contain soluble fiber, fruit and vegetable juices are excellent and nutritious options to meet your daily soluble fiber needs. Apple and orange juices alone provide almost three grams of healthy soluble fiber.
If you choose to drink juice, make sure it is 100% freshly squeezed and natural. This way, you can enjoy the natural sugars found in the fruits themselves, without the addition of extra sugar, and benefit from the higher fiber content compared to processed juice.
References
Research | Fruit Juice Science Centre
Understanding Antioxidants and Their Skincare Benefits – National Health and Wellness Club
The not so sweet truth of added sugars – Mayo Clinic Health System
The Rise of Processed Foods in the United States (wildhealth.com)
The post Common Misconceptions About Fruit Juice appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. While there are many alternative medical approaches, the majority are based on a belief that health care should be rooted primarily in natural substances and practices.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative practitioners claim that their treatments result in better health outcomes. This includes a lower risk of developing side effects and higher patient satisfaction. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows doctors to offer a broad range of services to their patients.
What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Many CAM practitioners use treatment methods that aren’t part of conventional medicine’s standard system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies can also be integrated with elements of mainstream medicine. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination of Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It could save you money and time in the long run.
Statistics
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
How To
How do I deal with my girlfriend who trusts alternative medicine?
The internet advises those dealing with a loved one suffering from mental illness. The internet isn’t able to provide much help for those who believe in alternative medicines.
There appears to be a significant divide between the groups. Both those who have doubts about traditional medicine and those who see the benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
You might feel confused and frustrated because you don’t know how to respond. You might feel confused and frustrated if your partner tells you that he’d rather see an acupuncturist than his physician. Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It is important to ask questions. It’s important to ask them early. This will save you many heartaches later.
How can you ask him these difficult questions without making it offensive? What if he claims he doesn’t believe doctors? Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn’t believe so? Tell her that you don’t believe she’s right.
This is where the conversation gets tricky. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.
Alternatively, you could suggest that she sees a psychiatrist instead. This could cause more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.
What should you do?
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Common Misconceptions About Fruit Juice
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/fruit-juice-is-one-of-top-three-foods-for-immune-function/
Published Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:45:51 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. While there are many alternative medical approaches, the majority are based on a belief that health care should be rooted primarily in natural substances and practices.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative practitioners claim that their treatments result in better health outcomes. This includes a lower risk of developing side effects and higher patient satisfaction. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows doctors to offer a broad range of services to their patients.
What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Many CAM practitioners use treatment methods that aren’t part of conventional medicine’s standard system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies can also be integrated with elements of mainstream medicine. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination of Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It could save you money and time in the long run.
Statistics
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
How To
How do I deal with my girlfriend who trusts alternative medicine?
The internet advises those dealing with a loved one suffering from mental illness. The internet isn’t able to provide much help for those who believe in alternative medicines.
There appears to be a significant divide between the groups. Both those who have doubts about traditional medicine and those who see the benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
You might feel confused and frustrated because you don’t know how to respond. You might feel confused and frustrated if your partner tells you that he’d rather see an acupuncturist than his physician. Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It is important to ask questions. It’s important to ask them early. This will save you many heartaches later.
How can you ask him these difficult questions without making it offensive? What if he claims he doesn’t believe doctors? Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn’t believe so? Tell her that you don’t believe she’s right.
This is where the conversation gets tricky. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.
Alternatively, you could suggest that she sees a psychiatrist instead. This could cause more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.
What should you do?
