Rugani 100% Vegetable Juices awarded CANSA Seal of Recognition

8 July 2020 –  Rugani Vegetable juices have been awarded the CANSA Seal of Recognition signifying these juices as a CANSA Smart Choice. Owing to the innovative extraction processes and packaging, no additives (sugar, preservatives or colourants) are used in the production of Rugani’s juices which have a shelf life of 12 months. All the juices are high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A and plays a very important role in health including supporting the immune system, which is especially important with COVID-19 infections on the increase. #LowerCancerRisk #CANSASmartChoice #RuganiJuice

CANSA recommends eating more vegetables as part of leading a balanced lifestyle for overall wellbeing. Vegetable juices, a healthy drink alternative, are a fun and effective way of adding nutrients to the diet.

Lorinda Van Dyk, CANSA’s Seal of Recognition Coordinator, explains: “Rugani’s 100% vegetable juices are a terrific addition to our range of Smart Choice products that provide nutrients that may aid in reducing the risk of cancer. Consumption of beta carotene has been linked by science* to the promotion of skin and eye health, the improvement of cognitive function and may lower cancer risk. Rugani has also worked with leading scientists in the field to optimise their extraction process to rupture 95% of the vegetable cells, leading to an increase in the bio-available nutritional content of their juice.”

Most conventional vegetable juices are made from reconstituted concentrates because juice factories are unable to secure a reliable source of fresh produce, especially with seasonality constraints. Rugani is both the farmer and processor, so they are able to harvest fresh vegetables daily at sunrise and have the juice packaged by sunset. This unique agro-processing setup, ensures that optimal nutritional content is captured in their juice. Rugani Juices are available at all Food Lover’s Market stores and Dis-Chem Pharmacies nationally, as well as selected Spar, Pick n Pay, Checkers and other independent retailers. Click here to find a store near you.

Research shows that the risk of about 40% of cancers can be lowered through smarter lifestyle choices, like having a balanced, nutritious diet. CANSA aims to promote a smart, balanced lifestyle using the CANSA Smart Choice Seal on products as a tool to assist the public to easily identify healthier products and make healthier, informed choices. The CANSA Smart Choice trademark is only awarded to products that have undergone testing at an independent laboratory and which comply with the National Standards (SANS) or similar International Standards (ISO), as well as the stringent evidence-based requirements for each category as set out by CANSA.

Rugani uses IPI aseptic packaging which consists of renewable paperboard (75%) with the remaining layers of aluminium and polyethylene (PolyAlu) making up 25% of the carton. All components of the used carton are 100% recyclable: https://www.ipi-srl.com/es/sustainable-packaging/recyclable-packaging. In South Africa the collections of beverage cartons is done by informal collectors. Consumers are encouraged to participate in recycling by dropping off their cartons at specific drop-off points. For information on drop-off points visit: www.recycleyourcartons.co.za/faqs/

*References:

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[2] S. Hira, U. Saleem, F. Anwar, M.F. Sohail, Z. Raza, B. Ahmad, β-Carotene: A Natural Compound Improves Cognitive Impairment and Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease, Biomolecules. 9 (2019). doi:10.3390/biom9090441.
[3] A.J. Meléndez-Martínez, C.M. Stinco, P. Mapelli-Brahm, Skin carotenoids in public health and nutricosmetics: The emerging roles and applications of the UV radiation-absorbing colourless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene, Nutrients. 11 (2019). doi:10.3390/nu11051093.
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(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230.)

Published: 8 July 2020 | Last Updated: 30 April 2021
Categories: CANSA Seal of Recognition - Edible Consumer Goods Category, Media Releases & News