Citrus juices: "superior nutrient density"

A new study shows citrus juices provide more nutrients per calorie than other commonly consumed 100% fruit juices such as apple, grape, pineapple and prune. The nutrient-density study, published in the May 2007 issue of the Journal of Food Science, found that the nutrient profiles of pure grapefruit and orange juice are better than other commonly-consumed fruit juices.

Citrus juices earned the highest nutrient-density scores because, compared to other juices in the analysis, they are lower in calories and higher in essential nutrients. Among others, orange and grapefruit juices have the highest level of vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidants, as well as potassium, which plays an important role in cardiovascular health. After prune juice, citrus juices have the highest level of this essential nutrient, the researchers found.