The Problem With Bottled Fruit Juice

Most parents are very particular about what their children eat and drink. Many don’t even let their children drink soda because it’s bad for their health, can give them cavities and often leads to obesity. Instead they opt for a bottle of apple juice or orange juice. Most parents think that they are doing the right thing by giving their children juice, especially when the label says 100% juice, but in fact they’re not.

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Many juice bottles say 100% juice on the front label, but if you look on the back, you will find that it is made from concentrate and some have only 5% real juice. These labels are misleading, which is why you have to take a closer look and read the fine print. Most of these juices have 20 or more grams of sugar and are high in sodium, which is just as good as giving your children soda.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises limiting daily juice consumption to 4 to 6 ounces for children under 6 and 8 to 12 ounces for children 7 to 18; but if you eliminate it altogether, even better. Nutritionists argue that when you squeeze the juice out of fruit and throw away the rest, you are actually throwing away fiber. If you want to get the nutritional value from orange or apple juice, the best way to do that is by eating the whole fruit.

Sugar delivered in liquid form can trigger feelings of fullness and lead to drinking more than you’re supposed to drink. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests eating 2 cups of fruit each day, which will give you the nutritional benefits that you need.

It’s difficult to believe that juice is not healthy because we’ve thought otherwise for so long. Especially because it tastes good and it’s easy to just grab a bottle of juice on the go. It’s not easy to just stop drinking juice, especially removing it from your fridge on a moment’s notice. An easy way to transition your way to drinking healthier is to start by reducing the amount of juice you and your family drink. Start by diluting the juice that you have with water, that will cut down on sugar and calories. 

Instead of buying fruit juice, a healthier option would be to create flavored water. If your children like fruit juice, they will enjoy fruit water. You can make it with slices of oranges, cucumbers, strawberries, and a variety of other fruits. Start teaching your children about the importance of food and how to eat healthy at a young age, that way they adapt healthy habits and continue as they get older.

NEXT: Is Obesity and Diabetes Passed On to the Next Generation?