Worried about sugar spikes? Don’t skip the OJ!
If you’re watching your blood sugar levels, you might be surprised to learn you can have your juice and drink it, too! In fact, if you previously avoided orange juice altogether out of concern for a sugar spike, we’re pleased to share this classic breakfast beverage can still claim a spot in your weekly grocery cart after all.
Choose your orange juice wisely to avoid sneaky sugars added in your juice. By choosing 100% orange juice, you can rest assured that the only sweetness in your bottle comes directly from Mother Nature. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for OJ that’s USDA certified organic, like Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice, so that you’re avoiding toxic pesticides too.
What sets the sugar in 100% OJ apart? Groundbreaking scientific evidence suggests the source of the sugar could make a noticeable difference in your body’s glycemic response. Typically, increased consumption of sweet foods and beverages is associated with weight gain and poor dental health. That’s why the World Health Organization recommends healthy individuals limit their intake to 50 grams or 12 teaspoons a day. According to the WHO, this includes “all sugars added to foods or drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.” Given this recommendation, a recent study sought to analyze the impact of natural sugar from 100% orange juice versus added sugar from an orange-flavored drink on glucose levels, appetite, and total daily caloric intake, considering the myriad of sweet sources outlined in these guidelines.
This recent research in the journal Nutrients is quite revealing: The sugar source does in fact play a role in your body’s glycemic response. This study of thirty-six healthy-weight adults, showed lower blood glucose concentrations after consuming 8oz of 100% orange juice compared to the same amount of a sweetened orange-flavored beverage. Participants also didn’t consume as many total daily calories after drinking OJ. On average, these suppressed appetites led to about 420 less total calories consumed in a day by the participants. On the other hand, caloric overconsumption was reported after drinking the sweetened orange drink.
The takeaway? Not all sugar is created equal! Not only does organic orange juice contain “good” sugar that won’t spike glucose levels the way added sugar does, but it’s also packed with powerful health benefits. A single 8oz serving of Uncle Matt’s Organic OJ provides 100% of your RDA of Vitamin C, B Vitamins, potassium and folate. What’s more, by choosing any Uncle Matt’s Organic juice, you’re making a positive impact on your health and the environment by opting for the most delicious juice on the market produced using only organic-certified, sustainable agricultural practices.
Want to dive into the science behind sugars a little more? See the full study here.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a medical directive or advice. Please always consult your physician for your specific health conditions and concerns.
