Why de-ionised juices are harmful to be used as a sugar substitute for jams

It is not uncommon to lay your hands on packaged food that says NO ADDED SUGAR and is yet supposed to be sweet.

And when you look around at the back of the label, the ingredients show "de-ionised apple/pear/grape juice" as one of the ingredients.

So this is what lends the sweetness to this food eh! Juice is good isn't it and if the manufacturer is taking the pains to add juice, is it not a good product?

Well, here's the catch. The additional cost of the de-ionised juice is already added to the price of the product. And on top of that, we pay the price for harming ourselves. 

So what is really de-ionised fruit juice?

De-ionised juices are a type of fruit juice that has been processed to make it colourless, odorless and flavourless by removing ions and minerals from the juice. This process is used to extend the shelf life of the juice and create a clearer, more visually appealing product. And also, if all jams were sweetened with grape juice, all jams would end up tasting like grape jam. So de-ionisations helps to remove all flavour, odor and colour from the juice. 

However, de-ionised juices can be dangerous to our health in several ways.

1. Firstly, the de-ionisation process removes essential nutrients from the juice, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for our overall health and help to regulate our body's electrolyte levels. Without them, we can experience imbalances in our electrolyte levels, which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and even heart palpitations.

2. Furthermore, de-ionised juices are often high in sugar. Manufacturers may add additional sweeteners to the juice to compensate for the loss of natural sweetness during the de-ionisation process. High sugar intake has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

De-ionised juices may also contain harmful additives such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These additives can have negative effects on our health and have been linked to allergies, hyperactivity, and even cancer.

3. Another potential danger of de-ionised juices is that they can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Without the natural acidity and antimicrobial properties of the fruit, de-ionised juices are more susceptible to contamination by bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. This can lead to foodborne illness and serious health problems, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

4. Finally, de-ionised juices can be dangerous to our teeth. As they are often high in sugar and low in natural acidity, they can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. This is particularly concerning for children, who may consume large amounts of de-ionised juice as part of their daily diet.

In conclusion, de-ionised juices can be dangerous to our health in several ways. They can lead to imbalances in our electrolyte levels, are often high in sugar and harmful additives, can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. While they may seem like a healthy and convenient option, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers of de-ionised juices and to consume them in moderation. Instead, consider choosing natural, unprocessed juices that retain their essential nutrients and are free from harmful additives.