What juice can do for you

The latest research shows that the disease-prevention properties of long-life pasteurised orange juice are the same as those of freshly squeezed juice, but long-life juice only contains half the vitamin C of the fresh stuff and folate levels (the pregnancy vitamin) are also affected by processing and storing.

The amount of vitamin C in carton orange juice deteriorates by two per cent per day after opening. So if you want the freshest, most vitaminpacked juice you should make your own, or buy it from a juice bar. So which juices are best for us?

Cranberry

Good for: preventing cystitis. Proanthocyanidins in cranberry juice stop harmful bacteria sticking to the walls of the bladder, thus reducing the risk of urinary infection. Very high in vitamin C, cranberry is sold with sugar added, because it is too bitter on its own. This brings sugar levels up to the same as other fresh juices.

Boysenberry, blueberry

Good for: skin; cancer protection. Rich in anthocyanins that zap cancer-causing free radicals and protect collagen from deteriorating. Berries are crushed not juiced, which makes a higher fibre drink.

Red grape

Good for: fighting heart disease; skin and hair. Like red wine, contains flavonoids which minimise blood clots and improve blood flow. This also benefits the skin and the hair. High in fruit sugars. Trace of vitamin C.

Pineapple

Good for: energy; digestion. Contains the enzyme bromelain which helps to digest heavy protein and is high in natural sugars for an energy boost. Contains 11mg of vitamin C per 100 ml.

Orange

Good for: immune system, anaemia protection. The best source of vitamin C and also a source of folic acid - so pregnant women should drink plenty. Drink with meals to increase the uptake of anaemia-protective iron.

Apple

Good for: energy; heart protection. Flavonoid-rich which helps protect the heart. Has a third of the vitamin C of orange juice. Contains largely fructose sugar - good for slow-burn energy but can give babies or toddlers a stomach upset.

Mango

Good for: eyes and skin; cancer protective. Rich in free-radical zapping beta carotene - also used by the body to make vitamin A which keeps the skin, eyes and lungs healthy.

Tomato

Good for: slimming; male health. Slimline juice has only 50 calories per 250ml glass. And the lycopene tomatoes contain has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Grapefruit

Good for: immune system. Rich in vitamin C, but take care if you are on medication - the juice contains a chemical that increases the blood level of some drugs, for example antihistamines and cholesterol-lowering pills.