As the weather gets nicer out and we spend more time outdoors, we all do our best to stay hydrated with a nice cold drink. Unfortunately, many of the common drinks that we reach for are not only high in calories but contain excessively large amounts of sugar. Regular consumption of these drinks can lead to significant tooth decay, but can also lead to bigger health problems like diabetes and obesity. At our dental clinic, many of our North Delta and Surrey patients who have issues with tooth decay often consume many of these types of drinks on a daily basis.
So which are the worst offenders?
Here’s a sample based on 12 oz or 355mL for equal comparison:
- Coca-Cola Classic 146 Calories; 10 tsp of Sugar
- Minute Maid Orange Juice 165 Calories; 10 tsp (40g) of Sugar
- POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice 240 Calories; 14 tsp (56g) of Sugar
- Hawaiian Punch Fruit Juice Red 240 Calories; 14 tsp (56g) of Sugar
- SunnyD Tangy Original Style 180 Calories; 10 tsp (40g) of Sugar
- Red Bull 165 Calories; 10 tsp (40g) of Sugar
- Gatorade G Orange 90 Calories; 5 tsp (20g) of Sugar
- Starbucks Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino w/ Whipped Cream 360 Calories; 14 tsp (56g) of Sugar
- Jamba Juice Mango Peach Topper 375 Calories; 15 tsp (60g) of Sugar
- Bear in mind that the Starbucks and Jamba Juice drinks usually come in much larger sizes when we order them!
In the end, nothing beats a refreshing, ice-cold glass of water! Zero calories! Zero sugar!!
source: The Nutrition Source, Harvard School of Public Health http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/how-sweet-is-it/