Drinking too much fruit juice may elevate stroke risk Study reveals

According to a recent article from Health Digest, a new study has uncovered a potential link between excessive fruit juice consumption and an increased risk of stroke. 

According to data from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.6 per cent of adults consume fruit beverages daily. However, drinking more than one glass of fruit juice may result in an unexpected—and potentially life-threatening—side effect. A recent study reveals that daily consumption of fruit juice is linked to an increased risk of having a stroke.

The study, published in the 2024 edition of the Journal of Stroke, examined the link between fruit drinks and juices and two types of stroke: ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage. While consuming one or two fruit juices daily didn’t appear to affect the likelihood of ischemic stroke, it was associated with an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage.

The American Stroke Association explains that an intracerebral hemorrhage occurs when bleeding starts in the brain tissue. A 2021 study from the Journal of Nephrology highlighted that 36 per cent of intracerebral hemorrhage cases led to death.

But why would fruit juice consumption impact the risk of stroke? To gain an expert's perspective, Health Digest consulted Dr. Jason Singh, the Chief Medical Officer and Physician at One Oak Medical.

In Singh's view, two key factors in fruit juices contribute to the increased stroke risk. The first is the sugar content found in many types of fruit juice.

"Fruit juices are concentrated sources of fructose and glucose, which are quickly absorbed by our bodies, causing an insulin spike," Singh explained. "Chronic high insulin levels can promote inflammation, which may lead to atherosclerosis and hypertension—both of which are risk factors for stroke."

The American Stroke Association recognizes the connection between sugar intake and stroke risk, highlighting that individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to those without the condition. This finding is corroborated by a 2023 study published in the Journal of Stroke, which revealed that people with diabetes face up to twice the risk of having a stroke, along with a higher chance of experiencing multiple strokes.

The second factor Singh identifies as a potential link between excessive fruit juice consumption and stroke risk is the absence of fiber in fruit juice. Singh explained, "Fiber in general slows sugar absorption and also prevents insulin spikes. There is a loss of fiber when you're juicing that you would normally get if you had the raw fruits."

Scientific research supports Singh’s explanation. A 2023 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases found a probable link between higher dietary fiber intake and a lower risk of stroke.

This doesn’t mean fruit juice should be avoided entirely, but moderation is key. Singh recommended that adults consume no more than 4 to 6 ounces of fruit juice per day. Furthermore, he advised eating whole fruits, choosing juices with lower sugar content, or diluting fruit juice with water to further reduce the risk of stroke.

By Naila Huseynova