CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A lot of people think fruit juice is a healthy drink option when it actually isn't.
In fact, new research associates large amounts of fruit juice, as well as other sugary drinks, with an increased risk of early death.
Cleveland Clinic Registered Dietician Kate Patton didn't take part in the study, but says too much sugar -- whether natural or not -- can have a negative impact on your health.
“Really excessive amounts of any sugar-sweetened drink over time is going to lead, likely, to weight gain and possibly, eventually, obesity, and then it’s the obesity that’s really causing, you know, an increased death risk," Patton said.
Researchers studied death records and dietary questionnaires from more than 13,000 people over 45 for about six years. They estimated how many sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices were consumed.
Results show each additional twelve-ounce serving of a sugary beverage was associated with an 11 percent increased risk of death.
They also found each additional serving of fruit juice, specifically, was associated with a 24 percent higher risk of death.
Patton urges people not to be fooled by fruit juice, which is mostly sugar and water, and suggests drinking it in moderation.
“You really have to be careful," Patton said. "The portion size is what’s important because it’s really the greater recommended portion of every additional serving is what caused that increased risk. So, I would encourage my patients really, typically, no more than four to eight ounces of juice per day.”
If you're looking to cut back on fruit juice or other sweetened drinks, experts suggest diluting juice with water to cut back on sugar and still get some flavor, vitamins, and minerals.