They say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and according to new research, so does a bottle of 100 percent fruit juice. A report from the University of California at Davis shows that 100 percent fruit juices could have protective health benefits similar to those of whole fruits. The report found a positive association between consumption of 100 percent juices and reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and decreased cognitive function. Additionally, 100 percent juices are linked to heightened antioxidant activity, the report states.
Fresh out of college in 1991, Mark Rampolla ventured to Latin America as a Peace Corps. volunteer in Costa Rica. He also spent time in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Brazil. During his travels, Rampolla was enlightened by many things within the Latin American culture, including a popular regional drink: coconut water.
KonaRed introduced Coconut Water to its line of functional superfruit beverages in response to consumer demand for healthier beverages, the company says.
With platforms geared toward athletic enthusiasts, sports drinks experienced a resurgence in sales. The total category increased 14.9 percent to more than $3.9 billion in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago, for the 52 weeks ending May 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart. Non-aseptic bottled sports drinks made up most of the category with more than $3.8 billion in sales and a 14.6 percent increase, SymphonyIRI states.
Modjo Hydrate Elite, made by Cellutions LLC, is an all-natural sports drink infused with real coconut water, vitamin C and all-natural flavors and colors, and fortified with 99.9 percent pure sea salt. The beverage is available in Lemon Lime Ice, Orange Rush, Island Punch and Blue Crush flavors. Its 20-ounce and 32-ounce bottles have a suggested retail price of $1.59 and $2.59 each, respectively.
iTi Tropicals offers its coconut water ingredients for incorporation into 100 percent juice blends. Coconut water can be formulated to make up to 75 percent of a blend, which provides calorie reduction benefits while still offering 100 percent juice content.