Ra 4 Food - Health and Nutritional Tips

Despite recent studies that say otherwise, new research has found that 100 percent fruit juice consumption is not related to over weight children.

 

As most of us are aware, over the past twenty years, there has been an increase in the amount of people who are classed as overweight and/or obese in all ages and ethnic groups.

 

In 2002, 10.3 percent of children 2-5 years of age were overweight – an increase from 7.2 percent in 1994. In males and females 12-17 years of age, waist circumference has increased by 4.0 percent and 5.2 percent respectively.

 Researchers from Louisiana State University, and the Children’s Nutrition Research Centre at Baylor College of Medicine, examined 21 studies about a relationship between consumption of 100 percent fruit juice by children and adolescents and weight, and found that “there is no systematic association between consumption of 100% fruit juice and overweight in children or adolescents.”

 “Health professionals and policy makers should be encouraged to objectively review the literature on all beverages and encourage consumption of healthful beverages including water, milk, and 100% fruit juice,” according to the authors. “The data support the consumption of 100% fruit juice in moderate amounts, and this may be an important strategy to help children meet the current recommendations for fruit.”

 This is contrary to an earlier study by an Australian University, who claimed, “Children who drank more than three glasses of soft drink (three quarters of a litre/750ml) or 4 glasses of fruit juice/drinks (1 litre) on the day in question were more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese compared with children who did not drink these drinks.”

 James M. Rippe, M.D., cardiologist and Editor in Chief of AJLM said, “The rising epidemic of overweight and obese children should be a cause for great concern amongst healthcare professionals and the public at large,

 “The findings that the consumption of 100% juice by children and adolescents is not associated with overweight is very important since 100% fruit juices are nutrient dense and their consumption represents an excellent way to help children meet the dietary guidelines for Americans. The article by O’Neil and Nicklas clears up misconceptions that many healthcare professionals and parents may have about this issue.”