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Roper St. Francis chef, nutrition expert warn of juicing without checking sugar content


Juicing
Juicing
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It's a new age health trend that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; but done wrong, juicing can be harmful.

It's a familiar sound -- the steady hum of steel blades spinning swiftly, pulverizing fruits and vegetables into a pulpy juice. Blenders used to juice and make smoothies have become the 'in thing' and a booming industry.

"More and more people are coming in. They want to feel good about themselves. There has been a big push lately," said Jon Parkman, the owner of Tropical Smoothie.

But Parkman also knows of hidden dangers of juicing.

"It's a misconception that eating a lot of fruits can be good for you. It can be just as bad as eating a candy bar. Lots of fruits are loaded with sugars," he said.

For example, blending eight ounces of vanilla soy milk with one serving of seedless red grapes, a banana, and a serving of blueberries is like having more sugar than the amount in a a King Size pack of Reese's peanut butter cups.

But do-it-yourself home blending can be beneficial with the right ingredients.

Chef David Topping with Roper St. Francis Hospitals stresses how beneficial blending fruits with vegetables can be -- resulting in a nutrient-packed healthy drink.

"About 8 grams of sugar, next to zero fat content. Ultimately, a good snack item," he says of a smoothie blend he created.

It's made up of a red beet, strawberries, blueberries, and carrots. And getting it right the first time is crucial in steering clear of a scary trend.

"Sixty-nine percent of Americans are overweight or obese. In South Carolina, 30 percent of people here are overweight or obese," said Sarah Coulter, the clinical nutrition manager at Roper St. Francis.

The biggest tip Coulter has in getting the most nutrient-packed and diet-friendly drink is in the preparation.

"Reading food labels, taking control, preparing foods in your kitchen, having control over your food. Knowledge is definitely the right step in making healthy choices," she said.

And that's the perfect blend towards health and happiness. Topping and Coulter say the smartest way to begin any juicing diet is by consulting a doctor first.

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