Alia Bhatt's nutritionist says stop drinking fruit juices, they are poisoning you. Switch to the right thing instead

Celebrity nutritionist Dr. Siddhant Bhargava, who has worked with stars like Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan, is challenging a common health assumption — that fruit juices are a healthy choice. According to him, most people are being misled into thinking they’re making nutritious choices when they reach for a glass of fruit juice. But in reality, they may be doing more harm than good.

In an Instagram reel on his handle, Dr. Bhargava explains that while whole fruits are indeed packed with essential vitamins and minerals, the same cannot be said for their juiced versions. The problem, he points out, lies in what’s lost during the juicing process. When fruits are juiced, their natural fibre is removed — the very fibre that slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Without this fibre, the sugar in fruits enters the body rapidly, causing sudden insulin spikes.

The nutritionist refers to fruit juices as nothing more than "colourful sugar water." He adds that the process of juicing — especially with commercial juicers that generate heat — also reduces the vitamin and mineral content of the fruit. What’s left behind is mostly sugar in liquid form, which is often wrongly marketed as healthy.

What Should You Do Instead?
Rather than reaching for a glass of juice, Dr. Bhargava recommends eating whole fruits. The fibre in whole fruits plays a critical role in moderating blood sugar levels and keeping you full for longer. It also helps in maintaining gut health, which juicing simply cannot replicate.

Dr. Bhargava suggests that the natural sugars in fruits are not inherently bad, but they are meant to be consumed along with the fruit’s fibre. By extracting the juice and discarding the fibre, people end up consuming concentrated sugar that could lead to health issues over time — including increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and poor metabolic health.

Dr. Bhargava’s comments also highlight how the health food industry often misleads consumers. He criticises the way fruit juices are packaged and promoted in the market, suggesting that they’re being sold at a premium despite lacking actual nutritional value. The popularity of bottled juices, smoothie bars, and "detox drinks" further adds to the misconception that these drinks are good for health.

A Simple Rule to Follow
In Dr. Bhargava’s view, a simple shift in approach — choosing the whole fruit over the juice — can have a lasting impact on health. His advice is clear: if you’re serious about nutrition, skip the juice, chew the fruit, and don’t fall for the marketing hype.

Who Is Dr. Siddhant Bhargava?
Dr. Siddhant Bhargava is a well-known name in the Indian health and wellness space. A medical doctor by training, he co-founded Food Darzee, a diet-focused food delivery startup. He is widely recognised for his straightforward health advice and has featured on shows like Shark Tank India. His client list includes some of Bollywood’s biggest names, and his opinions on diet trends often make headlines.


( Originally published on Jun 22, 2025 )