When you were a child, your parents probably gave you fruit juice on a regular basis. Even today, it is very common to see various types of juice being served as part of a healthy meal. However, juice is not necessarily as great for you as you may think. If you are wondering whether to reach for that glass of OJ, here are some things to consider.
Juice is High in Sugar and Acids
Everyone knows that eating candy will lead to tooth decay. But many people never stop to think about all the sugar that is in the juice they are drinking down. Fruit juice can contain just as much (and sometimes more) sugar than soda. As such, drinking it can lead to problems for your teeth.
As if the sugar were not bad enough, juice also contains elevated levels of acid. This is especially true in orange juice. The acid can strip the protective enamel from the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to injury and decay.
. . . But Juice Can be Good for You, Too
In spite of the above, you might not want to swear off of juice altogether just yet. Remember that juice contains many vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function properly. And, for some people, drinking juice may be the closest thing they can get to eating fruit.
Because of this, you might want to consider enjoying juice responsibly. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after you drink it to help wash away the sugars and acids. If you can, you might even make it a point to brush your teeth after you have consumed juice.
It’s good to be educated about what you are consuming, and it’s good to approach juice cautiously. At the same time, it does have benefits, so try to enjoy it from time to time.