Easter can be a time for some, where they have gone chocolate crazy, I know when I run my sugar-free challenges, the after-Easter one is always the most popular! ( the next one is on 22nd April if you want to join us! ) www.thebodyrescueplan.com/sugarfreechallenge

I wanted to share my thoughts today around some misinformation that really concerns me.

The notion that fruit is somehow as bad as Coke and that given the choice diet coke is better than orange juice? In fact I have seen videos by various so-called experts eluding to this fact too.

So let's break this down.

What the scientists' argument is, is that Coke has the same amount of sugar as fresh orange juice, and therefore they both act the same in your body, so you may as well have a diet coke and all is well. Great for the coke companies, hey?

Coca-Cola

  • A typical 12-ounce (355 ml) can of Coca-Cola contains approximately 39 grams of sugar.


Fresh Orange Juice (12 fl oz or 355 ml):

  • On average, a 12-ounce (355 ml) serving of fresh orange juice contains around 33-36 grams of naturally occurring sugar.

But Coco cola also contains:

  1. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Linked to obesity and metabolic issues.
  2. Artificial Sweeteners: Potential health concerns, including links to cancer.
  3. Phosphoric Acid: Associated with dental erosion and bone density loss.
  4. Caffeine: This can lead to insomnia, nervousness, and increased heart rate, which will stop the drink from hydrating you.
  5. Artificial Colours: Some may contain carcinogenic contaminants.
  6. Preservatives: These may cause allergic reactions and adverse effects in large quantities.
  7. Acidity Regulators: Excessive consumption can contribute to dental erosion and gastrointestinal issues.

Whereas orange juice contains:

  1. Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and collagen production.
  2. Potassium: Supports blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
  3. Folate (Vitamin B9): Essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
  4. Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Aids in energy metabolism and nerve function.
  5. Calcium: Important for bone health and muscle function.
  6. Vitamin A: Vital for vision and immune function.
  7. Magnesium: Supports energy production and nerve function.
  8. Phosphorus: Necessary for bone formation and energy metabolism.
  9. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Supports energy production and skin health.
  10. Niacin (Vitamin B3): Important for energy metabolism and cholesterol regulation.
  11. Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.
  12. Dietary Fibre: Supports digestive health and blood sugar regulation.

Coke is also highly addictive, no one is addicted to orange juice! Orange will give you good energy, coke will give you a high and then a crash, making you crave it or sugar throughout the day.

If like me, you have ever done a juice fast, you know you feel out of this world amazing by the end of it. Your skin looks like a baby´s, your eyes are brighter, you lose weight you have a ton of energy, you sleep soundly and you feel stress-free.

Imagine doing a Coke fast for a week? You would feel absolutely awful. Your skin would be grey, dull, and bloated, your eyes would be puffy, you would have zero energy but be wired and totally stressed out, and you would have terrible sleep.

If you eat fresh fruit it contains high fibre which slows down sugar absorption, preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. This is in stark contrast to sugary sodas like Coca-Cola, which lack fibre and lead to rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, contributing to energy crashes and mood swings.

Furthermore, the psychological and physiological effects of these beverages differ significantly. While Coca-Cola's addictive properties can lead to cravings and dependency, orange juice provides sustained energy without the subsequent crash, promoting overall well-being and vitality.

The comparison between Coca-Cola and orange juice extends far beyond just sugar content. While both beverages may contain sugar, their broader nutritional profiles and health implications differ significantly. Opting for natural, nutrient-rich options like orange juice is undeniably a wiser choice for overall health and well-being.


But what really convinces me that processed sugars and fresh fruit, or fresh orange juice, don't act the same way in your body is when I run my 5-day sugar-free challenges. I can have up to 10,000 people in the group at any one time ( I only run these 3 times a year ) In the 5 days people report that their skin is better, they have more energy, they lose around 5 pounds in weight, they have better digestion, less pain in their joints, less menopausal symptoms, less headaches and better sleep. And they stop craving sugar!

We do have fruit, in fact, we have a green smoothie every day. If processed sugars and fruit behaved the same way in the body, then no one would report feeling better in any way!

If you need help quitting processed sugars, I am running my famous Sugar-Free Challenge on 22nd April, online, for 5 days. You can sign up here www.thebodyrescueplan.com/sugarfreechallenge

Author

Christianne Wolff is a multi-award winning, best-selling author of The Body Rescue Plan series. She has been writing for the UK national media for the last 30 years, with many appearances on TV and radio and boasting a glittering array of celebrity clients. Christianne offers clean eating plans and local sound baths, cleansing your mind body, and soul. Website www.thebodyrescueplan.com   Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/TheBodyRescuePlan    

Christianne Wolff