15 Juices You Think Are Healthy but Could Be Causing Harm

Juices are often considered a quick and easy way to stay healthy, but not all of them are as good for you as they seem. While they might be packed with vitamins, many popular juices are loaded with sugar and calories.

If you’re not careful, regularly drinking these juices without exercising can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Here are 10 juices you might think are healthy but can harm you if you don’t pair them with enough physical activity.

Orange Juice

Orange juice is often thought of as a breakfast staple, rich in vitamin C. However, store-bought orange juice is typically packed with added sugars. One glass can contain as much sugar as a soda. Drinking this daily without exercising can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes. It’s healthier to eat whole fruit since the fiber helps balance out the sugar intake.

Apple Juice

Apple juice is another popular choice, especially for kids, but it’s high in natural sugars. A single cup of apple juice can contain around 24 grams of sugar, which spikes your blood sugar quickly. Without exercise to burn off the calories, it may lead to fat storage and unwanted weight gain. While apples themselves are healthy, the juice lacks fiber and can cause you to overconsume calories without feeling full.

Grape Juice

Grape juice is marketed as heart-healthy due to its antioxidant content, but it’s also one of the sweetest juices available. With over 30 grams of sugar per serving, it’s easy to see how drinking too much could lead to problems.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is well-known for its role in preventing urinary tract infections. However, many versions of cranberry juice are sweetened to mask the tartness, resulting in a high sugar content. Opt for unsweetened varieties or simply drink water with fresh cranberries for a healthier alternative.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is packed with antioxidants and can be good for your heart, but it’s also loaded with sugar. One glass can have over 30 grams of sugar, and without physical activity, those sugars can quickly turn into extra fat. The high sugar content can also raise your blood sugar levels, making it a risky option if you’re not active. To get the benefits of pomegranates, consider eating the seeds or drinking smaller portions of the juice.

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is delicious and contains vitamins like C and manganese. However, like many other fruit juices, it’s high in sugar. A single serving can contain as much as 25 grams of sugar, which adds up quickly if you drink it regularly. Eating fresh pineapple is a much better choice, as it provides fiber along with sweetness.

Mango Juice

Mango juice is sweet and tropical, but it’s often concentrated and packed with sugar. A glass of mango juice can have over 30 grams of sugar, which can spike your insulin levels. If you want the benefits of mango, eat the fruit instead, which will provide you with more nutrients and fiber.

Carrot Juice

Carrot juice may seem like a healthy vegetable option, but it’s surprisingly high in natural sugars. One cup of carrot juice can contain as much sugar as some fruit juices, and without the fiber found in whole carrots, it’s easier to overconsume. Consider blending carrots into smoothies instead, where you can include fiber-rich ingredients like spinach or kale.

Beet Juice

Beet juice is popular among athletes for improving performance, but for those who are less active, it can be a hidden source of sugar. While it’s a great source of nutrients, beet juice has a relatively high sugar content for vegetable juice. Eating roasted or raw beets can be a healthier alternative with more fiber.

Tropical Fruit Punch

Tropical fruit punch sounds refreshing, but it’s often a blend of various fruit juices with added sugars. A single glass can be a sugar bomb, with many tropical punches containing over 40 grams of sugar per serving. Stick to freshly squeezed juices without added sugar or choose to eat whole fruits instead for a more balanced intake.

Lemonade

Lemonade is often made with fresh lemons, which are healthy, but the added sugar can make this drink a less-than-healthy choice. Some store-bought lemonades contain as much sugar as a soda. If you want a refreshing drink, try making lemonade at home with less sugar or sweeteners like honey.

Cherry Juice

Cherry juice is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, but it’s also high in sugar, especially when sweetened. If you drink it regularly without exercising, the excess sugar can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. A better option is to eat whole cherries, which offer fiber along with their sweetness. This way, you can enjoy the health benefits without consuming too much sugar.

Papaya Juice

Papaya juice is rich in vitamins and digestive enzymes, but it’s also very sugary. A cup of papaya juice can contain around 20-25 grams of sugar, and without fiber, it’s easy to overconsume. Eating fresh papaya in moderation is a healthier alternative, as it helps regulate your digestion and keeps you full longer.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice is refreshing and hydrating, but it’s still high in natural sugars. A single cup of watermelon juice can contain over 20 grams of sugar. Instead, eat watermelon slices, which will give you the same hydrating benefits with more fiber.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is often marketed as a health drink, but some versions have added sugars. Even unsweetened coconut water contains natural sugars that can add up quickly if you drink it often. Without exercise, those extra sugars can contribute to weight gain. If you love coconut water, choose unsweetened varieties and drink it in moderation.

15 Grocery Items to Stock Up On Before Winter Price Hikes

As winter draws near, temperatures rise, as do grocery prices. The colder months often bring higher food costs due to increased demand, supply chain challenges, and seasonal shortages. To avoid the shock of winter price hikes, stock up on certain pantry staples and essential items. 

15 Grocery Items to Stock Up On Before Winter Price Hikes

15 Places Where You’re Expected to Tip—But You Really Don’t Have To

Tipping has become a widespread practice in many industries, with the expectation that you’ll leave a little extra for good service. However, not every situation truly warrants a tip, even if you feel pressured to give one. 

15 Places Where You’re Expected to Tip—But You Really Don’t Have To