Whole fruit consumption linked to better heart health than juice

A large study of over 371,000 Americans published in Current Developments in Nutrition suggests that consuming whole fruits is more closely linked to better cardiovascular health than drinking 100 percent fruit juice.

Researchers led by the University of North Dakota found that higher consumption of whole fruit was associated with lower risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and heart attacks. In contrast, the data for fruit juice did not show a consistent pattern for these conditions, though some associations were noted between frequent juice consumption and increased risks of heart attacks and high blood pressure.

This research supports updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030), which encourage prioritizing whole fruit over juice. Additionally, a scientific statement from the American College of Cardiology emphasizes that heart-healthy eating should focus on overall dietary patterns—including vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains—rather than individual nutrients or dietary trends.