Is vegetable juice as good as whole vegetables?

I try to sneak veggies in any way I can with the kids.  Sometimes, it comes in the form of a juice, and one that is maybe mixed with some fruits.  So, I guess the question is, aside from missing out on fiber, is vegetable juice just as good as the actual vegetable in terms of daily recommended vegetable servings?

Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. answers this question:

At least 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of vegetables a day are recommended for most adults, depending on age, sex and level of physical activity. Any type of vegetable counts, including raw, cooked, fresh, frozen, canned and dried vegetables. One-hundred percent vegetable juice counts, too. You're right about the missing fiber, though. Vegetable juice has plenty of vitamins and minerals, but it's lower in fiber than is a serving of most whole vegetables. Without enough fiber in your diet, you may risk constipation, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and weight gain. Some types of vegetable juice are high in sodium, too.

The bottom line: Low-sodium vegetable juice can be an easy way to increase the amount of vegetables in your diet, but don't routinely replace it for other types of vegetables.

By Mayo Clinic Staff
June 6, 2008