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Sweet sodas and juices from stores are dangerous
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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It is probably a well-known fact for everyone that sweetened drinks like soda do not add to our health. Now scientists have proven that packaged juices do not bring any particular benefit to the body either. Moreover, systematic consumption of store-bought juices can negatively affect life expectancy. "Aged people who regularly consume sweet drinks, sodas, including juices from packages, have a high risk of premature death," said one of the leaders of the new scientific study, Professor Gene Welsh, representing the medical school at Emory University (Atlanta).
We have always been told only about the benefits of fruit juices, but today experts clearly distinguish between freshly squeezed juice obtained at home and a drink that is sold in stores under the guise of the same product.
"We are now talking about the need to reduce the consumption of fizzy drinks and other sweet drinks by adults and children. Packaged juices should also be included in this list," the professor notes.
The researchers conducted a study, collecting information on more than 13,000 men and women with an average age of 64. These people took part in a large stroke research project that took place between 2003 and 2007. More than 70% of the participants were obese or severely overweight.
The subjects were tested on the consumption of sweet drinks. During the experiment, which lasted about six years, 1,168 people died among the participants. The specialists clarified: those participants who consumed more sweetened drinks and fruit juices had the highest risk of premature death, compared to those who preferred unsweetened water. At the same time, with each additional liter of sugary soda or juice, the chance of dying earlier increased significantly.
"Today, almost everyone knows that sugar dissolved in soft drinks, punches, energy drinks is harmful and is associated with the development of obesity and other unpleasant moments that worsen health. But packaged juices are still presented by most people as a healthy and even necessary product for health, despite the fact that these juices contain no less sugar," the scientists comment.
As the research results show, drinks diluted with sugar directly affect the increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and excess weight. However, in the case of natural freshly squeezed fruit juices, there is no clear evidence of their negative impact on health. Real juice, not from a package, but from a juicer, contains many valuable nutritional components that can provide considerable benefits to human health. At the same time, scientists still consider whole fruits to be more useful and advise drinking no more than 170 ml of ready-made juice per day.
The results of the study are published on the JAMA Network Open page.