Sugar and Fruit Juices, 3

“Does the higher sugar content mean one should never drink fruit juices?” Both the brain and body function best in balance and anything that triggers a blood sugar high can create imbalance. A small glass of orange juice while eating out for breakfast might be better than no fruit at all, but would be less beneficial than eating a whole fresh orange. Studies do point out that eating whole fruit is a better option than drinking the squeezed juice, especially when it has been filtered so no pulp or fiber is present. It is easy and fast to drink 8 or 12 ounces of fruit juice, as compared with eating the whole orange(s). The whole fruit, as compared with fruit juice, offers fewer calories from fructose and glucose and more nutrients. For those who are trying to stay within an optimum weight range, juices can be a not-easily-recognized source of extra calories.