Juice is not only packed with sugar, but according to a new study, it can also contain heavy metals. The study found that out of 45 tested fruit juices, 21 of them had elevated levels of heavy metals, including cadmium, lead, mercury and inorganic arsenic.
Food Dive: Juices have hazardous amounts of heavy metals, study finds WRAL: Consumer reports finds concerning levels of arsenic, lead in popular fruit juicesMany of these juices are marketed to children, who are especially sensitive to heavy metals. The study showed no difference between conventional and organic juice, name brands and store brands, or juices in boxes and pouches. The study also found that more than 80% of parents give their small children (age 3 or younger) juice, as much as once a day or more. The report's chief scientific officer, James Dickerson, Ph.D., says:
In some cases, drinking just 4 ounces a day - or half a cup - is enough to raise concern. Five of the juices we tested pose a risk to adults at 4 or more ounces per day, and five others pose a risk at 8 or more ounces.
As if we need another reason to avoid fruit juice...