All juiced up

Juices, both fruit and vegetable, have long been to the diet what scarves and jewelry are to a woman's wardrobe: accessories. Not really necessary, but something to complete or perk up the overall picture. This is unfortunate, although one must admit that there are a few people who view liquid calories as not counting...and are therefore apt to overdo it. Generally though, folks often dismiss the nutrient contribution that juices can make. Even worse, they sometimes relegate juices to the role of 'mixer' as has befallen Clamato juice. Does anyone drink it 'straight' without the helping hand of vodka? There are even people who believe that the sole reason for the existence of pineapple juice is to provide a thirsty world with an unending supply of Pina Coladas.

Grape juice of course, is consumed in vast quantities...but mostly in its fermented form, or jellied up and spread on a peanut butter sandwich. In short, the use and abuse of juice really ought to be examined and with the Christmas season upon us, I thought I'd draw your attention to this oft maligned beverage.

The least underrated of all of the juices would have to be that of the orange. But even our Floridian friend, or California cousin, suffers the squeeze of misunderstanding. While most are aware of the terrific vitamin C content of orange juice, few are aware of the great contribution ti can make to our daily intake of folic acid, pyridoxine and potassium. These as well as many other nutrients are imbibed with a glass of sunshine, a point which seems to be lost on those who feel that a glass of reconstituted orange 'drink' will pack the same nutritional punch. The only significant contribution the 'fakes' make is of vitamin C.

Another standby in the juice department is the tomato, which has been fortunate enough to escape being categorized as a breakfast drink only. Some, of course, wouldn't recognize it without a stalk of celery, but its low calorie content has put it on every dieter's list of dependables. It already contains more than enough sodium so don't add insult to injury by adding salt to it. Nutrient-wise it's another great source of vitamin C and makes a yeoman's donation of vitamin A. Phosphorus, potassium and magnesium are also well represented. Add clams (Clamato) or other vegetables (V8) and you get a variety of other nutrients as well.

For lovers of purple, grape juice is on the rise as a beverage of choice...and not too often sullied as a mixer for alcohol. It isn't a natural source of vitamin C, but most brands have this added. It does contribute a fair amount of potassium and its phenol content plus resveritrol has put it at the top of 'healthy' drinks for a possible role in lowering the risk of heart disease. Pineapple juice carries with it not only visions of swaying palm trees and white sands, but also a bounty of pyridoxine, thiamin, magnesium and copper. And while we're in the tropics why not consider some of the more exotic juices available to us. Though it's true that these are more expensive than the old traditionals, and there transportation uses a lot of fuel, it's also true that they provide nutrition and make a nice occasional treat.

Papaya juice offers vitamin C and vitamin A, a myriad of minerals and just a touch of elitism from knowing that this definitely separates you from the hoi polloi. Mango juice is also very pleasant and, again, a great provider of vitamins A and C. There are also the juices of the guava, pomegranate (currently a favourite of the health-food crowd), apricot nectar, cranberry juice and combinations of the above.

Suffice it to say fruit and vegetable juices can be a good source of nutritious pleasure and can provide a nice change for monotonous snacks. Given today's water-tight containers and assortment of thermoses they can be toted easily. But remember, they aren't great sources of calcium, so shouldn't be thought of as a replacement for milk. You don't need me to tell you that they're an infinitely better choice than a soft drink.