When you need something sweet to end your day, most of us reach for a glass of orange juice. However, is orange juice good for you or bad for you? It depends on the brand. Most orange juices are packed with vitamin C and other essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. However, some brands add sugar or high fructose corn syrup which negates the benefits. There is also concern over artificial additives and preservatives. Read on to learn more about Sunny D Orange Juice and its effects on your health.
Is Sunny D Orange Juice?
No, but it contains a lot of sugar. Sunny D is not orange juice, but it does contain a lot of sugar. The nutritional label on the back of a Sunny D bottle shows that each 8-ounce serving has about 26 grams of sugar. That’s more than 6 teaspoons of sugar! A 12-ounce can of regular cola has about 38 grams of sugar. So Sunny D has about as much sugar as a can of cola.
Is Sunny D bad for you?
Sugar
Sugar is bad for you because it contains high fructose corn syrup that has been linked to obesity and diabetes. Studies have shown that the consumption of sugary drinks leads to weight gain, especially in children. A study published in the journal Obesity showed that children who drank sugary drinks had a much greater chance of being overweight or obese than those who didn’t. You can read more about this study here.
Preservatives and additives
Preservatives and additives are added for flavor and preservation purposes, but they may not be good for your health either. The most common preservatives found in orange juice are sulfites, nitrates, phosphates, carrageenan, artificial flavors, and citric acid (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis). All these ingredients can be dangerous if consumed repeatedly or in large quantities on a regular basis because they cause allergies or other adverse effects on the body.
High fructose corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener that is found in a lot of juice drinks, sodas, and other foods. You can read more about this here. The main problem with high fructose corn syrup is that it has been linked to obesity and diabetes because it leads to excessive weight gain and insulin resistance. Studies have shown that high fructose corn syrup contributes to obesity because it leads to overeating, changes in appetite, and overconsumption of calories. This causes weight gain which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. A study published in the journal Obesity also showed that people who drink sugary beverages every day are more likely to be overweight or obese than those who do not consume them at all. Read more about this study here.
Artificial colors and flavors
Artificial colors such as Yellow 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 or 2 are used as colorants for juice drinks to make them look bright and vibrant. These colorants are known to cause allergic reactions, especially in children. Some of these colors have been linked to hyperactivity, behavioral problems, and other adverse effects in children.
Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and high fructose corn syrup are used as a substitute for sugar in juice drinks because they don’t contain any calories. However, artificial sweeteners are not safe for consumption by children because they may cause adverse effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Some studies show that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of obesity because they lead to overeating and changes in appetite. Read more about this here.
Nutrition Facts For Sunny D Orange Juice
Sugar is a no-no
Sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Sugar is also a source of empty calories that contribute to weight gain. Sugar has only five calories per gram, but it takes a lot of sugar to contain the same amount of energy as other foods with fewer calories. In fact, one teaspoon of sugar contains the same amount of energy as three slices of bread.
Artificial sweeteners are bad for you too
Artificial sweeteners have been linked to anxiety, depression, and weight gain in children and adults alike. While they may taste good, they are not healthy for you and may cause more harm than good if consumed on a regular basis.
Calorie counting doesn’t work either
Calorie counting is based on the assumption that people eat an average number of calories each day for an average length of time (about 2,000). However, we are all different so our calorie needs vary greatly from person to person: some need very few calories while others may need many more than their body burns up every day even when under stress or doing physical labor or strenuous exercise such as running marathons!
There’s more to it than just the numbers on the label
There are multiple factors that affect your calorie intake: how much food you eat daily; how much physical activity you get; whether or not you like particular foods; whether or not you drink alcohol; and if you are on a diet.
Calories aren’t the only thing you should look at
A calorie is not the only thing that matters when it comes to nutrition. The quality of calories can make all the difference in the world. For example, a calorie from a processed food may be hard to digest and therefore may cause more harm than good over time; however, a calorie from an organic food may be easier to digest and therefore may provide more benefit over time.
Is Sunny D A Fruit Juice?
- The product is not actually orange juice. It is a blend of fruits and vegetables.
- It contains no oranges or other citrus fruits. The product is not orange juice, but a blend of natural juices and fruit concentrates.
- The product is made with real oranges, carrots, beets, blueberries, and pears blended together to achieve its unique taste.
- The product has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose (Splenda).
- Sunny D contains no preservatives or artificial substances like BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHA (butylated hydroxytoluene), ethyl alcohol, and FD&C colors (including FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5 & 6).
- Sunny D does contain vitamins C & E which are naturally occurring in the fruit juices used to make the drink – this does not mean that it has added vitamin C & E to the drink itself!
- The drink contains 100% fruit juice with no added sugar or high fructose corn syrup – its natural sweetness comes from the fruit itself!
Conclusion
Many of us were thrown for a loop when we found out that Sunny D isn’t actually made with real oranges. But the fact of the matter is, it doesn’t really matter what’s in your orange juice as long as you enjoy it. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing drink, don’t forget about good old Sunny D.
