Drinking 100 percent fruit juice is associated with lower risk of obesity and metaboli...( New Orleans (April 22 2009) If you ...)

New Orleans (April 22, 2009) If you enjoy a glass of 100% juice as part of your daily routine, chances are you also have fewer risk factors for several chronic diseases when compared to your non juice-drinking peers. New research presented today at the Experimental Biology (EB) 2009 meeting highlights this association among adult men and women, with evidence showing that 100% juice drinkers were leaner, had better insulin sensitivity and had lower risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome a cluster of conditions that increases risk for stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

Looking at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004 an ongoing data collection initiative through the Centers for Disease Control and Promotion University of Minnesota's Dr. Mark Pereira and co-author Dr. Victor Fulgoni found that, compared to non-consumers, 100% juice consumers had lower mean Body Mass Index (BMI), smaller waist circumference and lower insulin resistance (as estimated by homeostasis model assessment, HOMA). The researchers noted an inverse association between level of juice intake (oz/day) and these parameters.

Based on the analysis, risk for obesity was 22% lower among 100% juice drinkers, while risk for metabolic syndrome (defined as the presence of three or more of the following: central obesity, elevated blood glucose, elevated fasting triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, elevated blood pressure) was 15% lower compared to non-consumers.

"We know that maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to decreased risk of some chronic diseases," notes Dr. Pereira, who is an associate professor in the University of Minnesota's Division of Epidemiology and Community Health. "One cup of 100% fruit juice counts as a serving of fruit and, based on our analysis, 100% juice consumption is associated with some of these same benefits."

According to the researchers, intake of 100% juice w
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