Drinking fresh, 100% juice can be an easy and delicious way of getting in some necessary nutrients that you may have a hard time getting otherwise. And while you’re missing out on helpful things like fiber and protein when you drink juice, there can still be a lot of benefits, especially as you age.
Getting older means that your body is going to have different nutrient needs, and these can sometimes be hard to get from just the meals we eat during the day. That’s why we asked a few expert dietitians to share what they think are some of the best juices you can drink after 50.
Read on, and for more healthy drinking tips, check out 6 Best Drinks to Lose Belly Fat and Slow Aging.
Fortified orange juice
Freshly-squeezed orange juice is delicious, but buying fortified OJ can give your body an extra boost of valuable nutrients.
“Orange juice fortified with vitamin D is a great choice for those aging because vitamin D is often lacking in the diet. It’s important to get enough vitamin D to support bone health as we age,” says Shena Jaramillo, MS, RD.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is one of the most highly-concentrated juices when it comes to antioxidants and helpful anti-aging nutrients.
“Pomegranates are very high in antioxidants, like polyphenols, that have shown to help lower inflammation and blood pressure levels, which can be very important for those who have aches and pains in the joints, or have high stress levels. Another unique benefit of pomegranates is that they have anti-aging properties, such as urolithin A, which help strengthen muscles and mitochondrial health,” says Courtney D’Angelo, MS, RD, author at Go Wellness.
Beet juice
You either love the earthy taste of beets or hate it. But beet lovers can rejoice in the fact that these earthy root veggies are packed full of health benefits.
“More and more research shows that beets are great for reducing blood pressure and preventing cognitive decline, two common issues among older adults. In one study looking at older adults, a diet that included 2 cups of beet juice in the morning was linked to increased blood flow in the brain in an area that helps to boost working memory,” says Megan Wong, RD, a registered dietitian at AlgaeCal.
Prune juice
Although prunes are often used as a remedy for bathroom troubles, this fruit can do even more for your body than most people realize.
“Studies have shown that four to ten prunes a day prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, most likely due to their boron content. With bone loss naturally occurring after the age of 40 and osteoporosis being a rising concern in older adults, prune juice is a great way to boost bone health. Plus, we all know that prunes keep our bowels healthy too! Making your own prune juice is easy, just soak prunes in warm water, then blend them with additional water,” says Wong.
Jamu juice
If you haven’t seen much about Jamu juice yet, you will soon! This deliciously healthy drink is growing in popularity-and for good reason.
“This healing drink originated in Indonesia, but has made its way to Western holistic health practices, and is made with many anti-inflammatory and high antioxidant ingredients like turmeric, ginger, honey, and lemon. Turmeric is naturally anti-inflammatory, which can help to improve joint health and gastrointestinal issues, among many others. Ginger is unique to weight loss in that it contains compounds known as gingerols and shogaols. These compounds create an antioxidant effect in the body that reduces free radical damage in the body,” says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD at Balance One Supplements.