Fruit juice consumption linked to weight gain in children and adults – study
Scientists have found that daily consumption of a glass or more of 100% fruit juice can cause weight gain in children and adults.
This is evidenced by a study of 25 adults and 17 children, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, writes CNN.
In children, each additional serving of 100% fruit juice per day was associated with a 0.03 change in body mass index (BMI). The results also showed a 0.02 change in adult BMI.
“One of the main problems with drinking juice is its quantity. For example, a glass of juice is about three oranges. But we often eat three oranges at a time. And if we talk about juice, after drinking one glass, in a minute or two we we can come back for another one.
Abuse of juice adds a lot of calories to the daily diet and leads to spikes in blood glucose levels. “Fruit consumption reduces risk of abuse.” – explains leading nutrition researcher Dr. Walter Willett from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Photo: TarasMalyarevich/Depositphotos |
Persistently elevated blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other chronic diseases, experts say.
Because of concerns about rising rates of childhood obesity and tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents and caregivers to avoid juice altogether for babies under one year of age. For children aged 1 to 3 years, the amount of this drink should be limited to 120 grams per day, and for children aged 4 to 6 years – to 170 grams.
“There is really no health benefit to consuming juice instead of whole fruits and vegetables if the child tolerates regular food,” says Tamara Hannon, pediatric endocrinologist and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition.
According to the US National Dietary Guidelines, adolescents and adults are recommended to drink no more than 220 grams of 100% juice per day. At the same time, it should not be considered a healthy way to quench thirst.
It will be recalled that scientists have explained whether skimmed milk products are really more beneficial for health.
Read also: Yogurt, protein bars and breads: 6 popular snacks that can be harmful