MỹPeople should not drink orange juice before meals, especially breakfast, according to experts from Princeton University.
Research published in the journal Cell Metabolism shows that orange juice is high in fructose, a type of sugar found in fruit, that is harmful to the liver and intestines if taken on an empty stomach.
According to experts, in the past, the medical community believed that all sugar intake in the body, including fructose, was processed in the liver. However, new research shows that 90% of fructose is processed in the small intestine. Excess sugar can move to the large intestine and colon and harm this organ and the intestinal microbiota. In contrast, when the stomach is full, the small intestine processes fructose more efficiently.
Therefore, experts say that drinking fruit juice on an empty stomach, especially in the morning after a night of not eating, can negatively affect health.
“The microbiome can't recognize sugar. As soon as you drink soda or juice, the microflora senses an extremely powerful nutrient. Any amount of fructose that is delivered to the large intestine causes health problems,” explains Professor Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University.
Experts say drinking orange juice before meals can be harmful to health. Image: Pexels
In fact, previous studies have also shown that orange juice is not as healthy as people think. They contain nutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which help fight oxidation, strengthen the immune system, and fight free radicals.
However, this drink can increase blood sugar, causing diabetes. According to Professor Scott Kahan, director of the National Center for Weight and Health, orange juice has as much sugar and calories as soft drinks.
“People with diabetes need to avoid drinking too much orange juice. Over time, blood sugar spikes can lead to dangerous conditions like heart and kidney disease, even for people who don't have diabetes," says Kahan.
Orange juice also causes weight gain. Some experts recommend that adults and children eat oranges instead of drinking juice. The reason is that fruit contains fiber, which slows down digestion, making people feel full for longer.
Previous studies have shown that drinking fruit juice, rather than eating it directly, can cause obesity and damage the liver. This is because when drinking juice, the body quickly consumes it without feeling full, loading a large amount of sugar into the body.
Some experts suggest drinking orange juice as well as other juices mid-morning, once you've had a full meal. However, it should be taken about 45 minutes to an hour before meals.
Thuc Linh (Follow Express, Insider)
