What's the Juice on Juice?

May 16, 2007 — -- What's more American or wholesome than a glass of juice for breakfast? It's the way millions of people start their day. It's also the way many parents introduce fruit to their children. That may be a problem — or is it?

The issue of juice and kids occasionally rears its naturally sweet head because our kids are getting fatter and fatter, and sweet drinks of all kinds, even the natural ones, are getting attention as possible contributors.

Well, maybe. But before you start tossing fruit juice out the window, let's be clear about this: Obesity is about excess calories -- no matter where they come from.

The body's fat cells don't discriminate. Whether they are coming from deep-fried pork rinds or spinach, eat too much of anything and your body will store it as fat, and that goes for juice as well.

To be sure, juice can be nutritious for us all. Indeed, it can be a major source of several nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, even vitamin A.

A few are also superb sources of antioxidants. Cranberry, pomegranate and grape juices are all great sources of anti-cancer, heart-healthy antioxidants.

However, as good as some juices are, you can definitely get too much of a good thing.

Since fruit juice is nutritious and considered as "fruit," it tends not to be limited. Parents often think, "It's natural sugar, and it's better than soda."

From a calorie standpoint, juice has about as many calories as most soda, sometimes more. Eight ounces of most fruit juices have about 110-120 calories. The same amount of cola has about 90-110 calories.

Many parents also figure that juice is a good way for children to get the fruit they need. Fruit juices taste good to children, and there is often little resistance to juice from even the fussiest eaters. As a result, it's easy to overconsume juice.

Adding to this equation is the fact that juice is sweet, and we're born with a fondness for sweetness that stays with us for life.