Is Fruit Juice Good For You?
Temps are on the rise, but before you quench your thirst with some cold juice from the fridge, you may want to think twice.
Fruit juice (or vegetable juice) may seem like a healthy alternative, but they can also be sneaky calorie bombs. And some juices can actually have more calories than soda!
According to Jeff Novick, "the problem with fruit juice is not so much the fructose...it is the calories which are liquid calories that lack fiber, are very low in satiety and also the overall calorie and sugar concentration that are the issues."
He recommends limiting juice to one serving (or 4-6oz) a day on occasion. Remember, most juices are 12-24oz!
Dr. Esselstyn suggests staying away from juice altogether, especially if you have or are at risk for heart disease.
He says, "Do not juice. Fructose separated from fiber is too rapidly absorbed and injurious. Drinking fruit juice is like pouring the sugar bowl down your throat. You lose the benefits of fiber best obtained eating the fruit. Chew your food."
"Sports drinks" and "vitamin water" aren't much better. Instead, try herbal iced tea or add some fresh squeezed fruit to your water. For more ideas on how to spice up your water, check out this post.