Hey Lykkers! We all know how great fruit juices can taste and how often people recommend them as a healthy choice. But recent findings have shown that drinking juice every day may not be as beneficial as we think.

Let's dive into this surprising discovery and find out why we might want to rethink that daily juice habit.

Drinking Juice For 3 Days Might Increase Inflammation

We often hear that drinking fruit and vegetable juices is a simple and healthy way to get more fruits and veggies into our diet. Many juice brands market their drinks as natural and full of nutrients. But a recent study has uncovered that drinking juice for just three days can actually increase the level of inflammation in your body.

The study, conducted by researchers from Northwestern University, followed 14 healthy participants, aged 18 to 35, for a period of three days. The participants were divided into three groups:

• The first group only consumed pure fruit and vegetable juices (800-900 calories per day).

• The second group drank fruit and vegetable juices in addition to their regular meals.

• The third group continued with their regular diet, without any juice.

Before starting the experiment, all participants followed a special diet designed to eliminate potential external factors, consisting of high fiber, low sugar, and no processed foods. Then, the participants followed their designated juice or diet plan for three days.

What Did the Study Find?

By analyzing the participants' stool and saliva samples, the researchers discovered some alarming changes:

1. Mouth Health: Participants who drank only fruit and vegetable juices had an increase in bacteria linked to inflammation, while beneficial bacteria in their mouths decreased. This may be due to the high sugar and low fiber content in the juices.

2. Gut Health: Although the changes in the gut weren't as significant as in the mouth, there was still an increase in the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria in the gut. This shift in gut bacteria may contribute to increased inflammation and even cognitive decline over time.

Juice vs. Whole Fruit: What's the Difference?

We often assume that drinking fresh juice is just as healthy as eating whole fruits. However, the two are very different in terms of nutrition. When fruits are juiced, some of their key nutrients, like vitamin C, are lost. Moreover, fruit juices don't provide the same fiber content that whole fruits do.

Research shows that the more acidic a fruit is, the less vitamin C it loses during juicing. However, if you throw away the pulp, you lose out on a significant amount of fiber, which is essential for gut health. The worst part is that juicing makes the sugar in fruits more accessible to the body, which can cause blood sugar spikes.

The Hidden Dangers of Fruit Juices

Although fruit juices may taste sweet and refreshing, they bring with them hidden health risks. Let's break down some of the dangers:

1. Increased Sugar Intake: A single glass of orange juice can take 3-5 oranges to make. While eating 3 whole oranges might fill you up, drinking that same amount of juice is easy to do without feeling full. This can lead to consuming a lot more calories than you realize.

2. Risk of Obesity: The sugar in fruit juices can contribute to weight gain, especially because juices don't provide the same sense of fullness as whole fruits. Regular juice consumption can easily lead to excess calorie intake without the benefit of fiber to help us feel satisfied.

3. Higher Uric Acid Levels: Another issue with fruit juices is that the fructose (fruit sugar) they contain can increase the production of uric acid in the body. Higher levels of uric acid are associated with conditions like gout, which causes painful joint inflammation. In some cases, it can even contribute to fatty liver disease.

How to Drink Juice More Healthily

If you're not ready to give up your juice just yet, don't worry! There are healthier ways to include juice in your diet without risking your health. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid Juice with Pulp: Try drinking fruit pulp instead of juice. Fruit pulp retains the fiber and other nutrients that are lost when juicing.

2. Limit Juice Intake: Stick to a small serving, like no more than 150ml per day. This helps you enjoy juice without overloading on sugar.

3. Rinse Your Mouth After Drinking: Fruit juices are sugary, so make sure to rinse your mouth afterward to prevent cavities.

4. Don't Mix Juice with Medicine: Some juices, like grapefruit juice, can interfere with medications and reduce their effectiveness. Always check with your doctor before combining juice with prescription drugs.

In conclusion, while drinking fruit juice may seem like a good way to boost your fruit intake, it comes with some health risks that we need to be aware of. If you enjoy juice, consider limiting how much you drink and always try to balance it with whole fruits and a healthy diet. Stay healthy, Lykkers, and remember: moderation is key!

What Happens if You Drink Orange Juice Everyday

Video by Health Streak