In a recent Nutrients journal publication, researchers evaluated the impacts of 100% orange juice versus a sucrose-sweetened beverage (SSB) on emotions, physical health, and sensory attributes in normal-weight adults. Utilising visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires, they gauged the effects of these beverages on subjective appetite and sensory characteristics.
The World Health Organization advocates for free sugars to constitute ≤10% of total daily energy intake (EI) to mitigate obesity and dental caries risks. However, this recommendation doesn't consider the physiological mechanisms driving these effects. The origin of free sugars likely mediates the relationship between sugar intake and metabolic risk and body weight. Furthermore, their dose and meal timing determine how sugars suppress food intake (FI) in adults.
100% fruit juices, rich in natural sugars, fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, are nutrient-dense alternatives to whole fruits. However, consumption has significantly decreased due to concerns that high EI from free sugars contributes to obesity.
In the study, the researchers discovered a positive correlation between the subjective sweetness of the orange drink and lunch FI. However, this was not the case with water or 100% orange juice consumption. The study concludes that 100% orange juice consumption might be beneficial, suppressing FI, protecting against obesity, and lowering blood glucose levels.
Source: news-medical.net