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Sugar in juice stirs up obesity debate

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Los Angeles Times

Published: November 9, 2009

To many people, it's a health food. To others, it's simply soda in disguise.

That virtuous glass of juice is feeling the squeeze as doctors, scientists and public health officials step up efforts to reduce the nation's girth.

It's an awkward issue for the schools that peddle juice in their cafeterias and vending machines. It's uncomfortable for advocates of a junk food tax, who say they can't afford to target juice and alienate its legions of fans. It's confusing for consumers who think they're doing something good when they chug their morning OJ, sip a 22-ounce smoothie or pack a box of apple juice in their child's lunch.

Experts say the truth is that 100 percent fruit juice poses the same obesity-related health risks as Coke, Pepsi and other widely vilified beverages.

"It's pretty much the same as sugar water," said Charles Billington, a University of Minnesota appetite researcher.

The Juice Products Association emphasizes the value of the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in juice - especially when many American eat little produce.

But scientists increasingly are questioning whether the benefits outweigh the sugar and calories that come with them.

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