Best Orange Juices For Diabetics
1. Tropicana Pure Premium Vitamin C + Zinc
Tropicana pure premium vitamin C + zinc has been said to be one of the best-selling brands of orange juice suitable for people with diabetes.
It is an ideal unsweetened fruit juice for diabetics that enables you to have a large portion of the juice without fear of having a spike in blood glucose. This means that if you like to have orange juice but lack the time always to squeeze it out every morning, then Tropicana can be an easy way out.
It has a very delicious flavor, and each serving provides you with 110 calories.
One very good thing about Tropicana is that it does not contain any artificial sweetener, additives or preservatives.
It is said to be a low sodium juice, and it is highly vegan. You dont need to worry about additive animal products when taking the juice.
It also contains an additional amount of vitamin C compared to the normal orange juice, so it strengthens the immune system.
Other additional nutrients include zinc, folic acid, vitamin B1, and potassium. These nutrients will help in the control of diabetes, and help to improve your cardiovascular health.
2. Natalies Orchid Island Juice Company
This particular brand is well-known for its unique flavor. You can hardly distinguish between the orange juice and the main orange fruit.
The brand always commits a lot of time and always engages in minimal production. The production in small quantities makes them produce with very good quality.
3. Simply Orange
A Few Juicy Words Of Advice For Parents From The Pediatricians:
- Dont put your child to bed with juice or milk. It leaves teeth covered with sugar and can feed the bacteria that causes cavities and tooth decay.
- Avoid giving your children fruit juice in sippy cups. Sippy cups make it easier to drink juice throughout the day, leading kids to decrease healthier food intake.
- Negative impacts of fruit juice will have negative impacts on obese children. Ultimately, children should avoid drinking any sugary drinks, including sports drinks and other sweet drinks. Just by cutting out those liquids, you will likely see dramatic effects on a childs weight.
Related stories on fruit juice and health:
Orange Juice 24g Of Sugar Per 8 Oz Serving
Oranges are known for being a great source of Vitamin C, which can help keep your immune system strong. And while this is true of the fruit itself, the juice is less honorable. An orange only contains about 2 oz. of juice, meaning a small 8 oz. glass of orange juice has the equivalent of 4 oranges. So eating an orange with your breakfast makes sense but downing a glass of orange juice is actually 4 times the sugar. Plus, like all citrus juices, orange juice is acidic. That means there are actually two substances in orange juice that could potentially harm your teeth.
Read Also: Does Alcohol Raise Your Blood Sugar
Iced Tea 24g Of Sugar Per 8 Oz Serving
Obviously, on its own, tea doesnt contain any sugar, but over the centuries humans have figured out that adding sweeteners to tea can be pretty tasty, and iced tea is no exception. The trouble is that iced teas are marketed these days as natural and healthy, and you can easily overlook how much sugar they contain. For example, Arizona Iced Tea contains 24g of sugar per serving and Snapple Lemon Iced Tea contains 23g. The good news is there are unsweetened varieties of iced tea available for purchase, and you can always make your own so you can control the amount of sugar yourself.
In a dentists fantasy world, all our patients would avoid sugary drinks completely, but we know thats not realistic. All we ask is for our patients to have some awareness of what theyre subjecting their teeth and bodies to. After all, our ultimate job is protecting your smile! Remember, just because something has a reputation of being healthy and natural, and advertising that says so, doesnt mean it cant do harm.
Benefits Of Fruit Juice
Despite the amount of sugar, there are some benefits to drinking fruit juice, especially when compared with soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages. If your intake of whole fruit is low, drinking 100 percent fruit juice rather than soda can help deliver some key vitamins and minerals found in fruit.
While eating an apple is better than drinking apple juice, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health says that if you are going to drink your fruit, you should stick to no more than 4 to 6 ounces per day. Not only does this reduce the amount of sugar, but it also saves on calories.
When it comes to the downside of your favorite juice, there seems to be less research on the consequences of drinking fruit juice compared with sugar-sweetened beverages, as reported in a May 2019 review published in the journal Nutrients. The authors note that while there is significant evidence linking the ingestion of free sugars in sugar-sweetened beverages with metabolic risk factors, it’s still unclear if the same consequences apply to drinking fruit juice.
Free sugars are any types of simple sugars added to food and beverages. What this means for consumers is that while fruit juice may be a better choice, more randomized controlled trials are needed to say for certain if fruit juice is comparable to other beverages in increasing certain health conditions.
Read more:The Best Juices to Drink in the Morning
Recommended Reading: What Makes Blood Sugar Spike
Are There Any Benefits To Drinking Concentrated Fruit Juices Over Freshly Squeezed Juices
The concentration of fruit juices you buy in the supermarket comes from a process where most of the water is removed. This concentrates the sugar content, as well as decreases the volume, and makes shipping more efficient. On the other hand, fresh-squeezed juices are made by taking whole fruits and squeezing them. They contain water thats been naturally filtered through the fruits, such as pulp and seeds. This is probably why most fresh-squeezed juices have a lower sugar content than their commercial counterparts.
However, for the most part, these are two different products that dont really compare to one another. The real issue should be whether or not you should consume fruit juices on a regular basis. While fresh-squeezed juices are the healthiest choice, you should avoid fruit juice concentrate entirely.
The only benefit of juice concentrate is its transportability and storage. Nothing for us consumers but mostly for producers.
What Are The Complications Of Low Blood Glucose
Mild-to-moderate low blood glucose can be easily treated. But severely low blood glucose can cause serious complications, including passing out, coma, or death.
Repeated episodes of low blood glucose can lead to
- high blood glucose levels, if worry or fear of low blood glucose keeps you from taking the medicines you need to manage your diabetes8
- hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition in which you dont notice any symptoms of low blood glucose until your blood glucose level has dropped very low
Also Check: How To Bring Blood Sugar Levels Down Quickly
Disadvantages Of Drinking Orange Juice
Orange juice benefits are more known, but it also has some disadvantages, particularly in terms of a high sugar and low fiber content. In general, fruit juice has less fiber than a whole fruit and fruit juices are likely to have a higher glycemic index â a measure of how a food raises blood-sugar levels â than a whole fruit, a Harvard Health blog post notes.
A review published in the May 2019 issue of the JAMA Network journal âNutrition, Obesity, and Exercise âquestions whether fruit juices are as unhealthy as sugar-sweetened beverages, with the argument made that although fruit juices contain naturally occurring sugars, during the metabolizing process by the body the biological response is the same.
Still, the article cites some evidence that moderate consumption of fruit juices is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke and cognitive decline although more studies are needed to concretely prove whether this is due to the polyphenols and other phytochemicals in fruit juices or some other factor.
When consuming 100 percent orange juice, its important to remember that it does contain sugar, even if it occurs naturally.
Tips To Increase Fruit Consumption
Even though 100 percent fruit juice is a better pick than many other sugar-sweetened beverages, it still lacks the nutrients that come with eating whole fruit. Increasing the amount of fruits you eat not only boosts your intake of vitamins and minerals, but it also ups your fiber for the day. Fruits like raspberries, apples, bananas, strawberries, mango and oranges are all excellent sources of dietary fiber.
According to the Mayo Clinic, dietary fiber can prevent and relieve constipation and it may help with weight loss and maintenance. It also helps lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. The recommended fiber intake for an adult female is 25 grams, and an adult male should be eating 38 grams of fiber per day, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For adults aged 50 and over, the Academy recommends 21 grams of fiber for females and 30 grams for males.
In order to meet the guidelines for fiber and increase the amount of whole fruits in your diet, consider following a few of these tips.
- Make a fruit salad with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries for breakfast.
- Add a sliced banana to your cereal
Also Check: How Much Sugar In Regular Cheerios
% Fruit Juice Contains Bioavailable Vitamins Minerals And Polyphenols
Pure orange juice is known as a rich source of vitamin C, but there is less awareness about the other valuable nutrients contained within it. A small 150ml glass of 100% orange juice is also a source of folate and potassium and contains citrus flavonoids, such as hesperidin. Potassium and folate are nutrients found to be lacking in the diets of some groups in the UK1 and are essential for normal functions of the body.
Folate is particularly important for expectant mothers as it contributes to the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy and low maternal folate is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Further, folate contributes to normal psychological function, helps the immune system work normally and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Potassium is essential for water and electrolyte balance in the body, helps muscles to work normally, contributes to the function of the nervous system and supports the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Fruits are recognised as a dietary source of polyphenols such as flavonoids and carotenoids 100% fruit juices also contain high levels of these natural plant pigments. In particular, 100% orange juice contains a type of citrus flavonoid called hesperidin. Emerging evidence6 suggests that hesperidin may impact positively on microvascular function in humans and thus may be a contributing factor in the cardiovascular benefits of 100% orange juice.
Watch the video below and learn more.
How Long Does Fresh Orange Juice Last How To Store
Fresh orange juice is best taken fresh. It will remain fresh in a swing bottle or jug with lid for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you put freshly squeezed juice in the fridge, after a few hours you will notice the liquid separates. Simply Shake before serving.
Also Check: When Should I Take My Blood Sugar
How Many Calories In A Glass Of Orange Juice
There are 52 calories in 1 small glass of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice. Youd need to walk 15 minutes to burn 52 calories. Visit CalorieKing to see calorie count and nutrient data for all portion sizes.
How many ounces of orange juice should you drink a day?
Given all this, it is probably best to avoid orange juice altogether but if you cant, bear in mind that if, as a woman, you need 1,600 to 2,400 calories to maintain your weight, an 8-ounce glass of juice with 110 calories can already take up 3.6 to 6.9 percent of your daily intake, which means 8 ounces should be the most you can drink each day.
Is Orange Juice Or Apple Juice Better In Keeping You Awake
Both orange and apple juice have similar energy-boosting properties which help keep you awake and focused all day.
In particular, these juices are rich in vitamin C and sugar which reduce fatigue and lower stress levels.
However, orange juice is richer in flavonoids which are proven to further improve blood flow to the brain, providing a quick mental boost and better brain cell communication.
On the other hand, apple juice may contain traces of melatonin which in certain amounts can cause feelings of sleepiness and induce better sleep quality.
If you want to learn more about orange juice, you can see our related posts on why we drink orange juice in the morning, the best oranges for juicing, and orange juice facts.
Also Check: What Can Bring Your Blood Sugar Down Quickly
Added Sugars: Sucrose And High
Simple sugars have been a part of the human diet for millennia. They were provided mainly by fruits and honey until white sugar became a common consumer product in the 19th century . Nowadays, the worldwide consumption of sucrose is widespread, to the extent that it has tripled over the past 50 years . In the United States, 77% of all calories purchased from 2005 to 2009 contained sweeteners, of which corn syrup, cane sugar, High-Fructose Corn Syrup , and fruit juice concentrate were listed as the most commonly used . Sucrose is naturally occurring in sugar cane and sugar beet and therefore extracted and purified directly from sugar cane or beet sap. In contrast, HFCS, which replaces sucrose in 40% of processed foods and beverages, is not naturally occurring .
The Nutritional Contents Of Orange Juice
Orange juice has many important vitamins and nutrients but also contains high levels of sugar that may work against your health. Here is what you get in an 8-ounce glass of orange juice:
- Potassium: 13% RDI
- Folate: 10% RDI
A cup of orange juice carries a lot more sugar than a medium-sized orange, which contains only 62 calories and 12 grams of sugar.
Because it is more condensed, orange juice has slightly higher levels of thiamin and potassium, but oranges provide just as much vitamin C and folate, likely because these vitamins can be damaged during the juice production process.
Recommended Reading: Does Milk Have Added Sugar
When Is Orange Juice Bad For Diabetics
Orange juice can be very bad for people with diabetes in cases of hyperglycemia or if your diabetes is severe.
People with diabetes suffering from severe hyperglycemia or unstable blood sugar levels need to stay clear of orange juices, especially those containing sugar.
Although so many brands claim that their juices are sugar-free, one can never be completely sure, so it is very much necessary that you stay off orange juice if you have severe hyperglycemia.
Which Has Higher Calories Orange Juice Or Apple Juice
Apple juice contains 46 kcal per 100 grams which is equal to about 117 calories in every 8 oz glass.
On the other hand, orange juice holds 45 kcal per 100 grams amounting to 112 calories in the same glass serving.
There is a small caloric difference of 2% between the two juices which is not a cause of concern when youre watching your daily calorie intake.
Read Also: What Is The Best Sugar Substitute For Baking
I’m Still Confused Why Do I Need To Watch Fruit Juices And Smoothies But Not The Whole Fruit
Fructose adds to your intake of free sugars. Whole fruit, on the other hand, does not.
Whole fruit contains fibre , vitamins and minerals, which are good for your overall health. The fibre helps to slow down the speed the fructose is absorbed into your blood stream and can help you feel fuller for longer. This is why its better to eat whole fruit, rather than fruit in the form of juice or a smoothie.
Fruit juice and smoothies, on the other hand, have most of the fibre removed when they are made and its very easy to drink large quantities in a short space of time. This means you could be drinking a lot of extra calories, carbs and sugar.
We know that too much of our sugar intake is coming from juices and smoothies, so it makes sense to cut down. The good news is that we are not eating enough fruit, so this is something you can eat more of. Though be mindful of serving sizes its easy to overdo the dried fruit, grapes and tropical fruits without really thinking about it.
You can include fruit as part of your meal or as a snack, whichever suits your healthy eating plan. Dont forget fresh, tinned and dried fruit all count.
With A Handheld Juicer
This probably doesnt need much of an explanation. If you have a citrus juicer at home, simply chop the fruit in half, place it over the juicer, press down, and squeeze while rotating back and forth to get as much juice out as possible.
For orange juice with pulp, just spoon some directly out from the remaining orange and add to your glass.
Recommended Reading: What Is Prediabetes Blood Sugar Level
The Nutritional Content Of Orange Juice Vs The Whole Orange
Orange and orange juice have different nutritional content, which has numerous health benefits. Each is unique with its unique contents and nutritional value.
After a close comparison, you may find that the nutritional content of orange and orange juice is quite similar. They are both excellent sources of vitamin C, which greatly boosts immune health. And there are also good sources of folate, which helps to decrease the risk of birth defects in pregnancy.
The only difference that comes is seen in orange juice, which is because of some nutrients usually lost during processing and storage. This leads to orange juice having lesser nutrients, especially fiber.
Lets dig more into the content of orange juice and whole Orange. What do they really contain?