But I thought juice was good for me?

Obvious sources of high sugar are in foods like soda, candy, chocolate, cake, cookies, honey, jam, etc. However, what most people don't realize is that 12 ounces of juice has the equivalent of 9 teaspoons of sugar! This is the same amount of sugar that is in 12 ounces of soda! Therefore, the grams of sugar in juice drinks or even 100% juices can easily add up, causing excess calorie consumption and eventually obesity, high blood sugars and high triglyceride levels.

The triglyceride level is part of the fasting cholesterol blood panel. Usually, if the triglyceride level is elevated (above 200), I routinely ask my patients about the amount of sugar and alcohol consumption in their diet. In a one-month period, I have seen significant decreases in the triglyceride level usually close to or at normal, with following a low sugar diet alone and no need for medication. However, there are a small percentage of patients that may suffer from Primary Hyperlippoproteinemia and diet is not the reason for the elevation of triglyceride and medication is required.

So what amount of juice is O.K. to drink? No more than 4 to 6 ounces of juice per day according to the American Acadamy of Pediatrics who recently mad this recommendation due to the high incidence of obesity in children. So, eat 3 to 5 FRESH fruits and/or vegetables per day, which is recommended as part of a healthy diet, and skip the juice and soda.

Neda Bayat, D.O.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.