January 31/Islamabad/Pakistan/Right Vision News -- Drinking packaged fruit juices might not be good for your health, if nutritionists are to be believed.

According to The Telegraph, diet experts say fruit juices are not as healthy as many people believe and that their high sugar content could outweigh any benefits if consumed to excess.

A report from the market research company Mintel found that 2.3 billion pounds was spent on fruit juices and juice drinks in Britain, with orange and apple juice accounting for more than 70% of sales.

Grapefruit juice sales fell by 23% in the past two years, while tomato juice sales plummeted by 60%. In the same period, the market for exotic drinks made from kiwi, passion fruit and berries soared by 133%.

The report found that sales of juices and juice drinks have been growing in pubs and restaurants due to concerns about binge drinking and the dangers of drunk-driving.

Nutritionists believe that the health benefits of fruit drinks are too often exaggerated, and some are concerned that they are being used to replace fresh fruit in the diet.

"Small quantities of fruit juice are a helpful way to get more vitamins, but the British diet is not particularly low in vitamin C.

If you look at a typical serving size, you are getting a lot of calories very quickly. As being overweight is more of a public health problem than a shortage of vitamin C, people need to view these [drinks] with caution," Ursula Arens, of the British Dietetic Association said.

From the February 1, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News
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