1. Pomegranate juice
2. Red wine
3. Concord grape juice
4. Blueberry juice
5. Black cherry juice
6. Açaí juice
7. Cranberry juice
8. Orange juice
9. Tea
10. Apple juice
I was looking through some of my magazines this past weekend and came across this article about a recent study that looked at the antioxidant level of popular drinks and juices.
After my post about my fortunate access to açaí I had to write a post about this. I was so amazed to see it so far down on the list. However, I was very happy to see red wine up there and to know that cranberry juice made the top 10. I love cranberries!
Normally I like to go back and read through a study when I find research like this which brings me to one my biggest pet peeves in the research world. I understand that it is a money making business, but the prices of access to research journals are absolutely ridiculous.
What good are you doing for society when you produce great research, but no one can find it due to it costing a fortune? It does make me miss the days when I worked for academia and had free access to just about any research journal I wanted.
Anyway, I thought I’d also give a little update on açaí. I had heard that it is really caloric. Now, I know a ton of foods that have nutrient benefits that far outweigh the calorie content, meaning it is worth it because they are so healthy.
They often sell little packets of natural fruit pulp here to be made into juices. A friend of mine bought one pack of pineapple and one pack of açaí. This was just natural pulp, no sugar or anything.
The pineapple had 60 calories. The açaí…250 calories!! That is just in the berry itself. I found it quite amazing. The health benefits are probably worth it and I’m not giving it up, but I might need some extra time at the gym!
Did your favorite natural fruit juice make the list?
By the way, I didn’t have access to the whole research article, but here is the abstract if you want to take a look.
Comparison of Antioxidant Potency of Commonly Consumed Polyphenol-Rich Beverages in the United States
Photo by Emily Roesly, morguefile.com
I don’t drink juice, but the rankings are interesting! :0)
I love cranberry juice. I wonder if they tested 100% juice or cocktail?
hmm- now that’s a lotta calories in acai – but it tastes soooo goo! There’s this restaurant by my job that makes acai grape water…it’s sooo good!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
I still need to try acai, but I’m a regular red wine and tea drinker. Hooray!
That’s interesting info on the calories. I like grape juice (don’t want to know calories).
As far as cheap way to keep up on studies? Why read James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor magazine, website and blog 🙂
Totally agreeing with you on getting access to reputable research articles. It can be maddening!
I’m actually surprised that apple juice even made it in the top 10! Did they look at more than 10 juices or is it just that of 10 juices/drinks they looked at apple juice fared the worst?
Thanks for all the great comments!
veggiegirl – Maybe tea or wine ;).
darius – They make a grape and acai juice I love here. it is a great combo!
jenn – I need to incorporate more tea into my day. I love it, just always go for coffee.
laura and cathy – Those are the kinds of questions I was wondering about. I was suprised by the apple juice and wonder if it was more of a pulpy cider than the clear and if the cranberry was 100%.
Dr. Hubbard – I do love checking out your site. It is full of info. Thanks! I just like to read the actual study to get my facts straight. I like reading others updates, but like to compare them to the real thing. 🙂 It tells me who funded it and other (maybe negative) results that weren’t revealed.