Even when they are juices 100% natural, homemade, free of colorants and other additives. Juice is not a drink that pediatricians and nutritionists recommend for children . They are not really beneficial for children like whole fruit is and they could cause health problems.
“ Fruit juice does not offer any nutritional benefit to children under 1 year of age and should not be included in their diet ”, states the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, for its acronym in English).
The AAPP indicates that the juice could be included in a healthy diet, in children older than one year, but should be limited.
Juice limit according to age
Small from 1 to 3 years , maximum, 4 ounces daily. Young children should not be given juice from bottles or “sippy cups” that allow them to easily consume juice during the day.
Children 4 to 6 years old , must be restricted to 4 to 6 ounces per day
Children under 7 to 18 years , juice intake should be limited to 8 ounces or one cup.
Cause cavities
Juices are a source concentrated sugar for children. Excessive exposure of teeth to carbohydrates can cause cavities.
They promote childhood obesity
As little as 4 ounces of apple juice can contain 14 grams of sugar, that equates to about 3 teaspoons of sugar. Some natural juices have the same amount of sugar (although naturally) and calories as soft drinks.
Studies have found a significant link between the consumption of these drinks and obesity in children.
Health problems in the future
As we anticipated, the sugar and the more concentrated calories in fruit juices can cause obesity and inadequate weight gain in children. Excessive weight gain is associated with hypertension, stroke, diabetes and other negative health problems in the future , as explained UC Davis Health .
May replace the consumption of other beneficial liquids
Drinking fruit juice can replace the consumption of other beneficial liquids. Breast milk or infant formula is sufficient for infants; just as milk and water are sufficient for older children.
It does not have the same benefits as fruit
Unlike juices, whole fruit provides fiber through the skin and pulp . Also, some fruits have edible skins, like apples. Disposing of the skin removes a large part of the fiber and most of the flavonoids , which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects .
Eating the whole fruit provides nutrients, fewer calories, it is digested slowly , provides greater satiety, the release of glucose is slower and does not have the negative effects of juice.
C on consuming the whole orange is much better than juice , you offers vitamin C, half the sugar of a 12 ounce glass of orange juice and double the amount of fiber, points out the Harvard School of Public Health.
Is it safer to dilute fruit juice with water?
Even diluted juice can increase the risk of cavities and decrease the possibility of drinking other beneficial liquids.
Other recommendations
E Fruit juice is not appropriate for the treatment of dehydration or the management of diarrhea.
If you decide to give juice to children, choose juice 100% fruit instead of sweetened juice.
Young children should not be given juice at bedtime . Leaves teeth covered in sugar and feeds bacteria that cause cavities.
If the child is under any medical treatment, consider that grapefruit juice may interfere with the efficacy of some medications .
Pediatricians recommend encouraging children to eat whole fruits and They should be educated about the benefits of fruit compared to juice.
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