Fruit Juice Concentratres; are they really a healthier sweetener or just empty calories?

Fruit juice concentrates are widely used sweetners in many low-fat products. They’re “fat mimetics” meaning they retain water and provide bulk in sweet treats. Companies can still provide you with a treat that has the appearance and taste of a full fat product; at the same time creating the illusion that you are doing something good for your body.

The problem is that the fruit juice concentrates don’t have the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber of whole fruit. Not only are these fruit juice concentrates nothing more than empty calories they are high in fructose; apple juice concetrate has 65% fructose. That is higher than the 55% fructose used in soft drinks.

The small amount of fructose you consume when eating a piece of fruit is a healthy thing but your body has not learned how to metabolize large amounts at one time. Your body then stores the excess fructose in your liver and creates unhealthy fats.

Make your favorite sweet treat with a small amount of a healthy vegetable oil. Not only is that better for your body you will find that you are not craving something else sweet within the next hour.   www.health.harvard.edu  

Category: Nutrition