Kacie K.H.Y. Ho, Mario G. Ferruzzi, and JoLynne D. Wightman
Nutrition Reviews, September 2019
This narrative review provides an overview of fruit (poly)phenols and their potential health benefits. It looks at polyphenols derived from fruit and 100% fruit juice. While the specific focus is on those polyphenols derived from dark-colored whole fruit and 100% fruit juice (eg, grapes, berries, pomegranate, and cranberry). Orange and apple is also discussed because these are commonly consumed fruits/100% fruit juices in the United States.
Results showed that similar to coffee and tea, fruit and fruit juices have been identified as major (poly)phenol contributors in the US diet. This research suggests bioactives found in fruit and fruit juice may have the potential to positively impact human health. Some of the health benefits associated with fruit polyphenols found in this study include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, which is also supported by a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published in August 2019 by Gowri Ramen, and benefits to neurocognitive function and exercise performance.
Key Findings: Overall, 100% juice adds a significant number of bioactives to the American diet, without negatively impacting weight status or chronic disease risk. Fruit bioactives include carotenoids, polyphenols such as flavonoids and more.
