Fruit Juice is Poison

Posted by Mr Cynical (907 days ago)

I was told that fruit juice is not good for you. It has massive sugar content and most doctors recommend avoiding it.

Is this correct?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Find what you are after in our Taipei A-Z Directory

Posted by docboat (907 days ago)

If you come across such a doctor - run as fast as you can and get a good doctor.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Mr Cynical (907 days ago)

Here's an article for you doc. High in calories, elevates blood sugar (diabetes), and worst of all most fruit juice is not pure its full of added sugar so little better than drinking a can of coke.

Is fruit juice unhealthy?

The answer to this question depends on how it’s consumed, and what foods it replaces. Fruit juice that has been robbed of its fiber and broad range of nutrients is basically just a concentrated source of sugar that lacks the supportive nutrients to help it digest and metabolize. Fruit juice elevates blood sugar more quickly than whole fruit, and the level of sugar that can be obtained from fruit juice is higher than the level found in whole fruit. For example, 120 calories’ worth of whole apples contains about 24 grams of sugar, while 120 calories’ worth of apple juice contains about 30 grams.

Additionally, many fruit juices that are sold in supermarkets contain only a small percentage of real fruit juice, and contain added sweeteners (sucrose or high fructose corn syrup). As a result, it is easy to consume a large amount of calories without getting any actual nutrition when you consume these beverages. Make sure you read fruit juice labels carefully! Turn over on the back of the jar or bottle, and look over the ingredient list - you may be surprised to see exactly where the fruit itself fits in!
Practical tips

If fruit juice is the only “convenience” choice for replacing a canned soda pop, we’re all in favor of fruit juice versus soda pop. If fruits are juiced together with vegetables, the pulp is retained, and juicing allows a person to increase his or her intake of vegetables substantially, then we also would support this step (especially if you use a home juicer that allowed close to 100% retention of the pulp and skin.) However, in most cases, the switch from whole fruit to fruit juice can only be made at the expense of full nourishment and health.
References

Birt, D. F.; Pelling, J. C.; Nair, S., and Lepley, D. Diet intervention for modifying cancer risk. Prog Clin Biol Res. 1996; 395:223-34.

Boss, P. K.; Davies, C., and Robinson, S. P. Expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway genes in red and white grapes. Plant Mol Biol. 1996 Nov; 32(3):565-9.

Kootstra, A. Protection from UV-B-induced DNA damage by flavonoids. Plant Mol Biol. 1994 Oct; 26(2):771-4.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by docboat (907 days ago)

You asked about fruit juice, not faux-fruit juice. If you want high sugar, additives and preservatives, then drink faux-fruit juice and beware.

But fruit juice should be just fruit juice. Unless, of course, you subscribe to the full-blown consumer society, with all the adulteration of foods, procesed foods and all the unhealthy connotations inherent. Such people are needed, as they form the backbone of a doctor's waiting room.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Mr Cynical (907 days ago)

From what I read even pure fruit juice is not very good because it is very high in sugar content, I think that you will find that nutritionists strongly suggest it be avoided because it contributes to obesity and high blood sugar.

I think it goes without saying that less than 100% fruit juice is bad news.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Claire (907 days ago)

From Cancer Research UK

"Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet. By following the 5-a-day guidelines, you could reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease and other conditions...

Fruit juice can also only count towards one portion a day. This is because they are high in nutrients but low in fibre. And extracting the juice releases sugars which are bad for your teeth."

Too many people don't eat enough fruit and veggies so, for them, drinking a fruit juice is better than nothing. But I wonder how many brush their teeth afterwards.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Ed (907 days ago)

On the Glycemic Index fruit juice is a no - no...

But then based on the habits of most people its better to drink fruit juice over beer, soda pop, and whatever other crap most people consume each day...

Instead of fruit juice try a glass of water with a squirt of lemon juice - gives it a bit of taste with minimal sugar and some vitamin c.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by docboat (907 days ago)

Indeed. It is not the fruit juice (pure, real, natural) that is the problem, but rather the approach one takes to nutrition. The very idea that a natural food should be inherently unhealthy is abhorrent. It is a matter of proportion.

The same idea can be said of potatos. They are healthy. Eat too many, and they become unhealthy. But note well - most doctors (almost all?) know less on nutrition than your grandmother. Do not listen to them much on this topic.

As for processed and adulterated foods - leave them well alone.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Witley (907 days ago)

I've heard dentists advising advising not to clean teeth immediately after drinking fruit (orange, grapefruit, lemon) juice because the acids in these juices can 'strip' the enamel and brushing them while the acids are still coating your teeth will exacerbate this.

Fruit juice are clearly nutrionally better than chemically-riddled fizzy pop, but they still contain calories.

Aim for moderation in everything (especially moderation)!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Pumpkin (906 days ago)

It is true that fruit juice - at the wrong time of the day, taken alone will spike blood sugar levels and cause a crash/craving for sugar shortly after....if it didn't elevate levels so well, why is it that orange juice is what they give to diabetics who need to get their levels up rapidly?

So taken for example alone at breakfast, it will not do you any good....mitigate its effects with other foods and its ability to raise blood sugar is lessened somewhat.

Whole fruits are invariably better as the flesh contains natural fibre which counters the natural sugars.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by tobeysmom (127 days ago)

i heard from dentist that the apple juice from concentrate is super bad for your teeth (esp kids), but fresh squeezed is ok.

(I am based in Hong Kong)