Updated July 19, 2015.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Question: I've been reading a lot of websites that say not to drink fruit juice, and it's just as bad as sugary soda. Is that true?

- Hannah - About.com User

Answer: I don't think comparing fruit juice to soda is a fair comparison, at least not if you're talking about 100-percent fruit juice because it can be high in vitamins and minerals. I don't think you need to avoid fruit juice, but if you're trying to lose weight, you'll need to keep track of the calories.

Some people believe fruit juice is bad for your health because it contains natural sugar -- called fructose, or fruit sugar. But fruit juice contains the same nutrients that are found in whole fruit -- it just doesn't have all the fiber.

Fiber helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of the natural sugars found in the fruit. It fills you up and keeps you feeling full longer. But fruit juice doesn't have the fiber, so it doesn't have the same effect as eating the whole fruit. Without the fiber, it's easier to take in more calories without realizing what you're doing.

No Fiber, but Still Nutritious

Most people don't consume enough fruits and vegetables, so drinking fruit juice can add a serving or two of fruit to your daily total as long as you choose 100-percent fruit juice. Those other 'fruit drinks' that contain only a small amount of fruit juice and lots of added sugar or high fructose corn syrup don't count as a serving of fruit.

Six ounces -- or 3/4 cup -- of 100-percent fruit juice counts as one serving of fruit.

Most of us need one to two cups of fruit every day (along with about two to three cups of vegetables). Enjoy drinking fruit juice, but eat some whole fruit too -- for the fiber.

Selecting Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is available at your local grocery store. There will be several varieties, and they'll be available in large bottles and single serving containers. The large containers or more economical, but single-serving packages are convenient and are good for brown bag lunches.

When you shop for fruit juice, be sure to look for the words 100-percent fruit juice on the label. You should also look at the ingredients list, which is especially important if you're buying juices such as pomegranate, acai or other exotic fruit juices -- they're frequently blended with apple or grape juice to cut costs. It's not that apple or grape juice is bad, but why pay extra for it?

You can also make your own juice at home with a juicer, either a small hand held orange juice squeezer or a fancy electric juicer that keeps much of the pulp and fiber in the juice. 

<sub>Source:

United States Department of Agriculture. ChooseMyPlate.gov. "Tips to Help You Eat Fruits." Accessed February 2, 2012. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/fruits-tips.html.

United States Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Health and Human Services. "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010." Accessed February 15, 2011. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm.</sub>

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements or making any major dietary changes.