Studies show that there are millions of people who are putting themselves at an increased risk for heart disease just by having a glass of fruit juice daily. According to research conducted by scientists from the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, people who regularly drink fruit juices have noticeably higher blood pressure compared to those who only drink them occasionally. Researchers say that this increase in central blood pressure could lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems including angina or heart attack.
According to lead author, Dr. Matthew Pase, "The findings suggest that daily use of fruit juice may increase central blood pressures, which are known to be associated with cardiovascular disease risk and cognitive impairment-problems with mental functioning. These findings are important because there is a common perception that fruit juice is healthy. Although juices may have essential vitamins, they commonly contain high amounts of sugar with negligible fiber. Thus, frequent fruit juice consumption may be contributing to excessive sugar intake, typical of the Western population, exacerbating the prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease."
In fact, health experts are becoming increasingly concerned that fruit juice consumption could be one of the major factors that is fueling the growing number of obesity and diabetes cases around the globe. Previously, there was some controversy surrounding a research study saying that orange juice is potentially as harmful as commercially sweetened drinks. The theory was built on the comparison that a 250 ml serving of orange juice contains 115 calories that is equivalent to 7 teaspoonfuls of sugar, and that a standard can of regular soda contains 139 calories. The World Health Organization's recommended daily amount of sugar is no more than 6 teaspoons.
As a result of this research, some health experts are appealing that juice be unclassified as one of the required "five-a-day" portion for the recommended daily portion of fruits and vegetables.