Which Juice Is Healthiest?

Before you sip, check out how these eight juices stack up healthwise.

Juice: Apple Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 117 Drink It For: Polyphenols (antioxidants thought to fight cancer), potassium, iron; many are fortified with vitamin C. Keep in Mind: Apple juice tastes great, but you won’t get as many nutrients from it as from a whole apple, since much of the good stuff is in the skin.

Juice: Cranberry* Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 116 Drink It For: Vitamin C, antioxidants, heart-healthy flavonoids, antibacterial properties. Keep in Mind: Cranberries are tart, so most juices contain added sugar. Choose “no added sugar” to avoid extra calories.

Juice: Grape (Red) Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 154 Drink It For: Resveratrol (a compound in red grape skins that may fight cancer), vitamin C, potassium. Keep in Mind: Red may be a better option than white because of the resveratrol in the skins.

Juice: Grapefruit* Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 96 Drink It For: Vitamin C, potassium, lycopene (an antioxidant), beta-carotene. Keep in Mind: Grapefruit juice can interact with some medications, making them last longer in the bloodstream. Check your prescriptions and talk with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Juice: Orange* Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 110 Drink It For: Vitamin C, potassium, folate. Keep in Mind: Fortified orange juice comes with added calcium, vitamin D, and even heart-healthy omega-3s.

Juice: Pineapple* Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 133 Drink It For: Vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6. Keep in Mind: Freshly squeezed pineapple juice often contains bromelain, an enzyme found in the whole fruit that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Juice: Pomegranate Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 160 Drink It For: Antioxidants, ellagic acid (which may block reproduction of cancer cells), vitamin C, potassium. Keep in Mind: Pomegranate juice often comes in blends with other antioxidant-rich powerhouses, such as blueberry and açai.

Juice: Tomato* Calories (8-Ounce Serving): 53 Drink It For: Potassium, lycopene, vitamin C, beta-carotene. Keep in Mind: Tomato juice and tomato-juice blends, like V8, can be high in sodium. If you’re watching your blood pressure, look for a low-sodium version with less than 480 milligrams per serving.

* These juices have a slight edge, healthwise, over the others. Ounce for ounce, they pack the most nutrients with the fewest calories. Tip: Buy products labeled “100 percent juice,” not “juice drink” or “juice cocktail.” The latter can contain little juice and a lot of added sugar. Written by Kristin Appenbrink - June 2008 @Real Simple (http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1159184-1806922,00.html)