Can drinking fruit juice increase blood sugar? Learn the truth.

News Topical, Digital Desk : These days, the internet is abuzz with claims that drinking fruit juice causes diabetes and increases blood sugar. But is that really true? The answer is a little more complicated than you might think. It's important to understand the difference between what's said and what's real.

What is the opinion of the experts?

According to Dr. Arvind Badiger, Technical Director of BDR Pharmaceuticals, fruit juice can be considered a good option for maintaining good health because it contains a variety of nutrients. However, its effect on blood sugar control may be a cause for concern. While drinking it is not harmful, it depends on the quantity and time of consumption.

Research shows that fruit juice has a moderate to slightly high glycemic index, meaning it's quickly digested and can raise blood sugar for a short time after consumption. This is normal, as you're consuming a high amount of sugar in juice form.

Difference between fruit juice and whole fruit

First, it's important to understand that there's a significant difference between fruit juice and whole fruit. Whole fruit is rich in fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar in the body. However, when we juice fruit, most of the fiber is removed, leaving only the sugary liquid. This is why drinking juice can cause blood sugar to spike.

Is fruit juice harmful?

However, this doesn't mean that fruit juice is completely harmful. Several studies and meta-analyses have found that if juice is consumed in moderation, it doesn't directly cause diabetes. This means the problem isn't the juice itself, but rather its quantity and method of consumption. Experts say that blood sugar levels can rise quickly after drinking juice because the natural sugars in it reach the bloodstream without fiber. This is why people with diabetes or prediabetes should consume juice judiciously.

How does sugar work in fruit juice?

The natural sugars in fruit juice are of two types: fructose and glucose. It's different from processed drinks because it comes directly from the fruit. However, there's a significant difference in how fruit juice is consumed. Juicing removes most of the fruit's fiber, but fiber is crucial because it slows the body's absorption of sugar. Without fiber, the sugars in juice are absorbed more quickly, and blood sugar can spike.

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