Fruits, Fruit Juice, Soft Drinks

Consumption of 100% fruit juices was associated with increased risk of cancers comparable to the risk associated with sugary soft drinks like regular coke. A glass of orange juice and regular coke have about the same sugar content. The study looked at 101,257 French adults, 79% of whom were women. Consumption of 100 ml of sugary drink consumption was associated with an 18% increased overall cancer risk and a 22% increased risk of breast cancer. Orange juice is healthier than a coke due to the antioxidants present, but the heavy content of rapidly absorbed sugars is a problem. It is better to consume fruits whole. The fiber slows the absorption of sugars and decreases the total amount of sugar it is possible to consume due to the bulk of the food. Researchers suggested follow-up to this research needs to be done.

Reference: BMJ Article on Fruit Juice.

Lay article on fruit juice and cancer from Science Daily.