Eating For Health

Growing up, many of us started our mornings with a small glass of 100% orange juice. Juice glasses were practically a breakfast table staple. Today, though, most people skip juice entirely, opting for coffee or a smoothie instead. But new research raises an interesting question: Should 100% orange juice make a comeback at your breakfast table? 🍊 🧠 Breakfast OJ and Dementia Risk A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who drank 100% natural juice — like 100% orange juice — had a lower risk of dementia. In contrast, those who drank sugar‑sweetened beverages (e.g. SunnyD, Hi‑C, fruit punch) or artificially sweetened drinks had a higher risk. 🔍 What the Researchers Found The study examined 177,926 adults (average age 56.4) who did not have dementia at the start. They were followed from 2009 to 2012, during which 1,293 participants developed dementia. Key findings: Moderate intake of 100% natural juice (up to 1 cup/day) w...

Sugar‑sweetened beverages (SSBs) — including soda, sweet tea, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee beverages — remain the #1 source of added sugars in the American diet. According to the CDC , sugary drinks contribute 35% of all added sugars consumed in the U.S. diet. Many kids and adults drink one or more sugared beverages daily. Did you know that one 12-ounce can of soda has more than 10 teaspoons of added sugar or 42 grams of added sugar?   In the South, sweet tea is especially common — and a large bottle can easily add 200 calories of added sugar in a single sitting. These calories provide no vitamins, minerals, or fiber , and they displace nutrient‑rich options like milk, water, or 100% juice. 🚨 Why Cut Back on Sugary Drinks? 1. Added sugars exceed recommended limits The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars to <10% of total calories starting at age 2 , and zero added sugars for children under age 2 . Suga...