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Sherman Oaks, CA (May 31, 2006) – Americans spent $3.6 billion last year on bottled water and fruit-flavored water1 . As consumers thirst for healthy beverage options, a great-tasting, low-cost alternative is easy as squeezing the juice of a fresh orange, lemon or lime into a glass of cool water. Not just refreshing, fresh-squeezed citrus water rejuvenates the body with disease-fighting antioxidants.
Independent lab tests show that fresh-squeezed citrus in water is an excellent source of vitamin C with none of the additives or chemical preservatives found in bottled fruit-flavored water. Forty percent of Americans do not get enough Vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system and fight disease. Just one glass of water with the juice of one orange provides 74% of the Vitamin C you need for the day.
| 8 oz water with citrus |
Vitamin C |
Percent Daily Value |
Chemical Additives* |
| Juice of one fresh Orange |
44.5 mg |
74% |
None |
| Juice of one fresh Lemon |
17 mg |
29% |
None |
| Juice of one fresh Lime |
11 mg |
19% |
None |
*Commonly found in flavored bottled water
Source: Citrus samples analyzed at The National Food Laboratory, Inc. 12/22/05 |
Bottled fruit-flavored water currently accounts for 10 percent of bottled water sales in the U.S2 and is projected by Beverage Marketing to climb to $800 million by 2009. Prices range from $1.00 - $1.50 for 20 ounces, far more expensive than a thirst-quenching homemade version featuring fresh citrus.
Try the following tips to enjoy a refreshing citrus cooler:
- Squeeze the juice of one-half a lemon, lime or orange into 8 ounces of cold water
- Squeeze fresh lemon, lime orange or grapefruit juice into ice cubes for ready availability to pop into a glass of water
- Keep a water bottle with citrus water in the gym bag for a refreshing after-workout drink
- Keep pre-cut lemon, lime and orange slices in a baggie at work to add to water for a rejuvenating pick-me-up
- Pack a thermos of citrus water for long car rides or summer road trips
Citrus fruits are included in the dietary programs of some of the world's leading nutrition organizations including USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Produce for Better Health (PBH) Foundation's 5 A Day Program, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.
About Sunkist Growers
As one of the world's oldest and largest citrus marketing cooperatives, Sunkist Growers is owned by more than 6,000 citrus growers in California and Arizona, most of whom are small family farmers harvesting oranges, lemons and grapefruit. For more citrus information, nutrition tips and healthy recipes, visit www.sunkist.com.
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[1] April 1, 2006 issue of Progressive Grocer citing ACNielsen data
[2] January 25, 2005 Coca-Cola news release citing ACNielsen data
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