[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]You've probably said it to your kids at least once or twice - 'don't drink that pop, have some juice instead. It's better for you.'
But new research appears to indicate that may not be the case.
Scientists are now comparing fruit juices - even the 100 percent, all natural, no additives kind - to pouring children a glass of Pepsi.
They warn that's contributing to a growing problem of everything from early tooth decay to childhood obesity. And there's a growing body of evidence that consuming the sugar-filled drinks is leading to some rapidly growing bodies in evidence.
"All of these beverages are largely the same. They are 100 percent sugar," complains Dr. David Ludwig of Children's Hospital Boston. "Juice is only minimally better than soda."
And in some ways, it could be even worse. Consider the measurements: a .35-litre bottle of grape pop has 159 calories. The same amount of juice boasts 228 calories!
The doctors fear parents have been brainwashed for years into thinking juice is good for their kids, because they don't see the problems it can cause.
"With the possible exception of milk, children do not need any calorie containing beverages," warns Ludwig. "What is needed to replace fluid loss and satisfy thirst is the same beverage we've been drinking for millions of years, and that's water."
He's especially adamant babies shouldn't be given the sweet substances, since it can cut off their desire for nutritionally superior breast milk, add excess weight and create an expectation of having to have something sweet with their meal.
Nutritionists agree fruit is still good for you, but add juice isn't because it doesn't fill you up, which means you drink more.
And it doesn't provide the fibre that eating an apple or an orange will give you.
Not surprisingly, the juice industry disputes the claims, worrying children and adults will stop drinking their product and not get the important nutrients they believe it provides. [/font]
I'm still not givin' them pop.
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