What To Know
- Fruit drinks are often marketed as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, but how much fruit drinks should you really be drinking.
- The amount of fruit juice in a fruit drink can vary widely, from 10% to 100%.
Fruit drinks are often marketed as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, but how much fruit drinks should you really be drinking? The answer may surprise you.
What’s in a Fruit Drink?
Fruit drinks are typically made from a blend of fruit juice, water, and sugar. The amount of fruit juice in a fruit drink can vary widely, from 10% to 100%. Some fruit drinks also contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
How Much Fruit Juice Do You Need?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least 2 cups of fruit per day. However, most of your fruit should come from whole fruits, not fruit drinks. Whole fruits contain more fiber and nutrients than fruit drinks, and they are more filling.
How Much Fruit Drink is Too Much?
The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their intake of added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men. A 12-ounce can of fruit drink typically contains about 3 teaspoons of added sugar. So, if you drink more than two cans of fruit drink per day, you are likely consuming too much added sugar.
What are the Health Risks of Drinking Too Much Fruit Drink?
Drinking too much fruit drink can lead to several health problems, including:
- Weight gain
- Tooth decay
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
How to Avoid the Health Risks of Fruit Drink
If you enjoy drinking fruit drinks, there are a few things you can do to avoid the health risks:
- Choose fruit drinks that are made with 100% fruit juice.
- Limit your intake of fruit drinks to one can per day.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Other Ways to Get Your Fruit
If you are looking for a healthy way to get your fruit, eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit drinks. Whole fruits are more filling and contain more fiber and nutrients. You can also add fruit to your smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Conclusion: Fruit Drinks: How Much is Too Much?
Fruit drinks can be a refreshing and tasty treat, but it is important to limit your intake. Drinking too much fruit drink can lead to several health problems, including weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Choose fruit drinks that are made with 100% fruit juice, and limit your intake to one can per day.
FAQ
Q: How much fruit juice is in a fruit drink?
A: The amount of fruit juice in a fruit drink can vary widely, from 10% to 100%.
Q: How much added sugar is in a fruit drink?
A: A 12-ounce can of fruit drink typically contains about 3 teaspoons of added sugar.
Q: What are the health risks of drinking too much fruit drink?
A: Drinking too much fruit drink can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, increased risk of heart disease, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Q: How can I avoid the health risks of fruit drink?
A: Choose fruit drinks that are made with 100% fruit juice, and limit your intake to one can per day.
Q: What are other ways to get my fruit?
A: Eat whole fruits, add fruit to your smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
