When you’re eyeing a beverage to quench your thirst while keeping yourself healthy, you instantly grab orange juice. In fact, it is found to be the most popular fruit drinks across the United States. However, you’ll be surprised to know that experts aren’t convinced with marketers’ claims. So, is it really worth adding to your diet?
Nutritional Content
Orange juice has always been marketed as having loads of vitamins and minerals, and although it does contain important elements that are beneficial for our bodies, it also has a high sugar content. In fact, an 8-ounce of this drink equals 110 calories and has 22 grams of sugar, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
In case you don’t know what these numbers mean, the sugar content in a cup of orange juice is more than what the actual fruit has. An orange only has 12 grams of sugar and 62 calories. Although the beverage has more potassium and thiamin levels, the natural choice provides the same level of folate and vitamin C.
Health Problems
Despite its health benefits, experts are still cautious when it comes to this drink. National Center for Weight and Wellness director Scott Kahan said that orange juice simply isn’t a health food. In fact, there are several risks that can come with it.
First and foremost, orange juice is not ideal for people looking to shed pounds because it does the opposite. This is why health authorities have advised eating fresh fruits because they contain fiber, which will make you feel full by slowing down the digestion process.
Several studies have shown that juice without the natural fiber can lead to liver damage and obesity. Scott said that it is best to avoid drinking sugary beverages if you’re trying to manage your weight. Plus, the doctor explained that when you consume calories through drinking, there’s a chance that you won’t eat less.
Then, because of its high sugar content, orange juice may lead to diabetes and blood sugar spikes. While you may think that you’re choosing a healthier option by choosing the juice instead of a soda, it’s not really the case.
A glass of orange juice, as mentioned, has 22 grams of sugar, whereas the same amount of Coca-Cola has 26 grams of sugar. There’s a small difference but still, it is quite alarming that a ‘fruit beverage’ is almost as unhealthy as a softdrink.
Diabetic patients should be careful in consuming orange juice because it can lead to a spike in blood sugar. If this happens regularly, it can lead to other conditions like heart disease.