Watch What You Put In That Sippy Cup, Experts Warn

Although there has been continuos studies circling around the belief that 100 % Fruit Juice and high fructose soft drinks do not have an effect on the heavy weight-gain and obesity of children, Richard Johnson, MD. has research to prove those studies are false. In fact, as healthy as juice seems, when parents are pouring this fructose-filled drink into their children's cups, they are triggering their obesity. In addition to obesity, Johnson points out the link between excessive amounts of fruit juice and soft drinks to diabetes and high blood pressure as well. To explain the process fructose has on the body might open up the idea of why there is so much weight-gain involved. Unlike glucose, fructose does not signal the body to stimulate insulin, (which is a hormone that turns sugar into energy and lets the brain know to stop eating), on the contrary, fructose causes resistance to insulin, therefore, blocking the "do not eat" order from making it to the brain. Peter Havel, Ph.D., a research endocrinologist who studies fructose says, "If you consume fructose, it's more like your consuming fat." He also believes in response to this consumption of "fructose-filled" drinks, parents should be limiting their children's intake to about 6 ounces per day because those who drink more than 12 ounces of juice were heavier on average than those who drank the recommended 6 ounces. In spite of the belief that 100 percent fruit juice is "healthier" and therefore, "does not contain fructose", Havel says, "To the body, fructose is fructose, whether added or natural."

Fructose and high-fructose corn syrup also causes the body to produce more uric acid, which leads to insulin resistance, contributing to the process all over again. Drinking to much juice or soda may also lead to cavities, lead children to be at risk for bone fractures, and even affect their growth. Staying hydrated is important; although, water, low-fat milk, and even sports drinks after exercising (which contains less fructose than juice or soda) are sufficient for hydration.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070518155859.htm