A scientific study reports that some fruit juices, sold as healthy, lunchbox-friendly drinks for children, can contain up to six teaspoons of sugar per 250ml glass; as much as a glass of Coke; and far more than the average person would put in a cup of tea.
The Independent declared that apart from tooth decay, there is growing scientific proof that frequent sugary drink intake could be linked with a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Even young, fit people need to know the risks.
Action on Sugar has requested manufacturers to cut the amount of sugar added to their products, and for the Government to withdraw its advice that a small glass of fruit juice can count towards fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. But the British Soft Drinks Association contended that fruit juice consumption in the UK came to an average of only 45ml per day per person – accounting for just one per cent of the calories in the average British diet.
Even if you’re juicing fruit at home with a state of the art juicer, pure fruit juice is not as healthy as you’d think. Without the fibre from the fruit, it’s only slightly better than pure sugar.
Maybe we just need to adjust our taste buds to accept that ‘not syrupy sweet’ is ok. Perhaps we need a sugar tax to get in shape.
How about getting your child to drink more water and making up for it with these healthy, tasty lunch box treats.
Do you worry about the amount of sugar in fruit juice?