Is liquidised fruit, like is a smoothie, just as good?

They say you should eat at least 3 pieces of fruit a day, i was wondering if the fruit is put into a juice, smoothie or what ever, does it still have the same nutritional value as eating it solid? My mother always use to say that eating fruit also softens up other digested food so it easier for the body to get rid of waste. Does it still do this if its liquidised?

Many thanks =)
Who adds sugar to a smoothie..? :)
- Earth Mama