by Paula Gutierrez
It is a sad truth that while sugar is delicious it also dangerous if eaten out of proportion. Scientists, Doctors, and Nutritionists agree that eating too many sweets can lead to health problems. The Center’s for Disease Control (basically the official US government agency of health), studied how we eat sugar over the past 22 years. What did they find? The extra sugar in just on can of soda or flirt juice was enough to raise our chances of developing Heart disease by 33%. Heart disease leads to all kinds of problems like heart attacks and even death. Eating or drinking too much sugar also increases our risk of developing diabetes, in both kids and adults. Diabetes, if not controlled well, can lead to pain, amputations, eye problems and much more.
So how does juice fit into this problem?
The American Heart Association recommends that we don’t add anymore than about 25 extra grams of sugar on top of what is naturally in our food. Researches have looked at juice and seen that it is a large source of sugar. One cup of apple Juice contains 110 calories and about 26 grams of sugar – almost the same as a can of coke! Juices do contain vitamins and minerals that are healthy, however the negative effect of all that extra sugar is what makes juice more harmful than helpful.
Well that sucks, what are my drink options now?
Here are some healthy options to help fill the gap left by those tasty but dangerous juices.
It is a sad truth that while sugar is delicious it also dangerous if eaten out of proportion. Scientists, Doctors, and Nutritionists agree that eating too many sweets can lead to health problems. The Center’s for Disease Control (basically the official US government agency of health), studied how we eat sugar over the past 22 years. What did they find? The extra sugar in just on can of soda or flirt juice was enough to raise our chances of developing Heart disease by 33%. Heart disease leads to all kinds of problems like heart attacks and even death. Eating or drinking too much sugar also increases our risk of developing diabetes, in both kids and adults. Diabetes, if not controlled well, can lead to pain, amputations, eye problems and much more.
So how does juice fit into this problem?
The American Heart Association recommends that we don’t add anymore than about 25 extra grams of sugar on top of what is naturally in our food. Researches have looked at juice and seen that it is a large source of sugar. One cup of apple Juice contains 110 calories and about 26 grams of sugar – almost the same as a can of coke! Juices do contain vitamins and minerals that are healthy, however the negative effect of all that extra sugar is what makes juice more harmful than helpful.
Well that sucks, what are my drink options now?
Here are some healthy options to help fill the gap left by those tasty but dangerous juices.
- Iced Tea: (not Arizona or sugary teas from the store) – Just brew a fruity leaf tea, add a slice of lemon or mint, put in the fridge and enjoy the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits!
- Fruit Water: Just adding raw fruit and mint to ice water makes a healthy delicious juice alternative!
- Coconut water: While not my personal favorite, it is loved by many and is quite delicious to the coconut lovers out there.
- Home-made Spritzers: If you add ¼ cup of our beloved juice to 1 cup of seltzer water and Ice, you have a great drink and saved yourself 75% of the sugar.
- Water: Yes, just regular water. After staying away from juices and sodas, we lose our sugar cravings and we can be satisfied with just water again.