Q : Why should I drink 100% fruit juice?

A : Drinking 100% fruit juice is almost like eating the fruit itself. 100% fruit juices contain important nutrients you need to be healthy. If you want to have a healthful diet, you should be eating several fruit and vegetable servings per day. The amount you should eat depends on your age and how much activity you get. One cup of 100% apple juice counts as one fruit serving according to the new MyPyramid food guide pyramid.

Q : Do all apple juices contain 100% juice?

A : If you are drinking a beverage that says "apple juice," it must be 100% apple juice and made directly from apples or from apple juice concentrate that has water put back in it. No sugar is added to apple juice.

Q : We have been learning about the new MyPyramid food guide pyramid at school. Can I have fruit juice instead of a piece of fruit?

A : It is good that you are learning about how to eat from MyPyramid. Hopefully, you also are learning the importance of eating "5-A-Day" (five servings of fruits and vegetables daily). 100% fruit juices count as a serving of fruit, says MyPyramid and the 5-A-Day program. However, most fruit "drinks" that are not 100% juice do not count as fruit servings. Whole fruit or 100% fruit juice count as part of the fruit group.

Q : Isn’t apple juice just for babies?

A : Absolutely not! Apple juice is a very popular juice worldwide. Kids and adults of all ages in many countries drink apple juice. Apple juice is given to babies because they love its naturally sweet taste and it’s easily accepted and pleasing. But apple juice is a taste you never outgrow. The next time you grab some apple juice, try it chilled over crushed ice or have it for breakfast hot with a cinnamon stick in it. There are lots of other recipes you can make with apple juice, too.

Q : Why is drinking fluids so important?

A : More than 70% of your body is made up of water. Water (either by itself or from sources such as beverages) helps your body function the way it should. Water keeps your body at the right temperature and it carries nutrients to the cells. In addition, water is important for protecting your organs and tissues. That is why it is important to keep "hydrated" (hydrated comes from the Greek word "hydro" that means water).

Being thirsty is not always the only signal that your body is dehydrated (that means your body lacks water/fluids). Other signs of dehydration may include lightheadedness, nausea and weakness. So it is important to consume lots of water and beverages that contain water throughout the day, especially when you are active or if it is very hot. The best water-containing fluids you can drink are water (from the tap or bottled water), 100% fruit juice, milk and decaffeinated or non-alcoholic beverages. The reason you should avoid caffeine and alcohol is because they cause your body to lose water rather than retain water. Important fluids also can be obtained from foods that have a high water content (such as fruits).