Is Minute Maid Bad For You?
Short answer
This popular drink does not offer any health benefits. The high fructose corn syrup is the second ingredient and has been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The preservatives and yellow dye are not supporting cellular health.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Minute Maid Lemonade is a popular drink that is high in calories and contains high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This sweetener is inexpensive and has found its way in so many popular foods. HFCS is processed though cornstarch where manufactures take an enzyme that converts parts of the glucose into fructose. Fructose is sweeter than glucose and has been linked to Type 2 diabetes, elevated blood lipid levels and visceral obesity. Visceral obesity is the accumulation of intra-abdominal fat that is linked to toxic accumulation in the body. This “toxic soup” leads to chronic degenerative diseases. HFCS is almost always sourced from genetically modified corn which is a controversial subject. Genetically modified foods are linked to toxicity in the form of the glyphosate usage in the spraying of crops that bring this poison into the root supply of the plants. HFCS is also linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. HFCS is a sugar that allows our body to accumulate fat cells and does nothing to support our vital organs or overall cellular stability.
The other concern with this beverage is the addition of Yellow dye #5. If this beverage is a true natural lemonade then there is no reason to add a toxic dye. This dye is banned in several European countries and is linked to significant allergic and hyperactive reactions in children. Yellow dye #5 is a synthetic chemical known as tartrazine. For individuals that are sensitive to aspirin the chances for hypersenitivy with Yellow dye #5 is more prevalent. The Food Standard Agency in the UK (the FDA equivalent in the US) states that tartrazine can be responsible for adverse behavioral reactions in children. If you find a product that contains a synthetic dye it would be best to avoid it at all costs.
It has been proven that cancer cells will thrive on sugar intake. It would be best to avoid high carbohydrate beverages. In this instance the best alternative would be to add fresh lemon to your morning water and allow this homemade refreshing drink to cleanse your liver and assist with immune function and improved digestive function. It will be a better way to start your day and skip all of the beverages that are loaded with added sugars. Carry water with you during the day and this will assist with important detoxification.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergic reaction
-
hypersensitivty
-
elevated glucose
Possible long-term side effects
- obesity
-
metabolic syndrome
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
Healthier alternatives
- fresh homemade lemonade-just water and lemon
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Uncle Matt's Juice Boxes
- Rich in Vitamin C
- Fortified with Vitamin D
- Added Zinc benefits
- No added sugar
- Organic Superfruit Punch
Learn More!
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Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 08-01-2018
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 08-01-2018
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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