Despite the belief that drinking pure fruit juice will lead to weight gain in kids, new research suggests that pure fruit juice in moderation can provide essential nutrients and may even help children maintain a healthy weight.
The latest research findings, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies’ annual convention in Toronto last week, suggest that 100 percent pure fruit juice is a valuable source of nutrients for children.
To study fruit juice and weight gain in children, researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, analyzed juice consumption habits of over 3,600 children between the ages of 2 and 11 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Their findings supported 7 other major studies that found no association between 100 percent fruit juice and being overweight. In fact, children aged 2 and 3 who drank the most pure fruit juice were three times less likely to be overweight than children who didn’t drink any juice.
Researchers also found that children who drank pure fruit juice ate less fat, saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. Pure fruit juice drinkers had higher intakes of nutrients including, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, folate and iron.
Pure fruit “juice” has no added sugars. Be sure to choose juice that is 100% juice, and avoid sugar-laden “beverages” and “drinks”.Â
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.