3 days ago · Apple juice can have several health benefits in large part thanks to the antioxidants it has. You just have to be sure to have the juice in moderation. · Apple juice can offer various health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Understanding the Context
Excessive consumption can affect blood sugar levels, calorie intake, and digestive and dental health. Healthy adults should limit their daily intake of apple juice to about one cup per day. Apple juice may boost immunity, prevent cancer, improve skin health, and lower cholesterol, but it may also cause gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones, tooth decay, and weight gain. Learn the nutritional facts, health benefits, and possible side effects of apple juice from this web page.
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Key Insights
When apples are juiced, their hydrating quality is maximized, and some plant compounds are retained. However, juicing reduces other benefits of whole apples, including fiber and the ability to satisfy hunger.Whole apples are an extremely healthy food, but apple juice has pros and cons.See full list on healthline.comApple juice is 88% water and tastes good. This makes it easy to consume — especially for those who are sick and at an increased risk of dehydration (1).In fact, some pediatricians recommend half-strength apple juice — a mix of half juice, half water — for sick kids who are mildly dehydrated and at least one year old (2, 3).In a study of mildly dehydrated children with diarrhea and vomiting, those offered diluted apple juice were 6.5% less likely to need fluids delivered via their veins than those given a medicinal electrolyte drink (4).Though electrolyte drinks are specially formulated to rehydrate, some children don’t like the taste and won’t drink them. They’re also relatively expensive. Diluted apple juice is a practical and pleasant alternative for kids, as well as adults (4).Be sure to drink diluted juice to rehydrate, as the high sugar content of full-strength juice can draw excess water into your gut and worsen diarrhea — particularly during recovery from illness (5, 6).See full list on healthline.comApples are rich in plant compounds, particularly polyphenols.
Important Details
While the majority of these compounds are in the peel, some from the apple flesh are retained in the juice (7).These plant compounds may protect your cells from inflammation and oxidative damage. Both of these processes are underlying factors in chronic conditions, including certain cancers and heart disease (8).In one study, healthy men drank a 2/3 cup (160 ml) of apple juice, then scientists drew their blood. Oxidative damage in their blood was suppressed within 30 minutes of drinking the juice, and this effect continued for up to 90 minutes (9).For more polyphenols, opt for cloudy juice — which contains pulp — rather than clear, which has the pulp removed (7).One analysis found that cloudy apple juice had up to 62% more polyphenols than clear juice (7).The majority of store-bought apple juice is clear in appearance, meaning you can easily see through it. Organic varieties are more commonly available in the cloudy form.See full list on healthline.comPlant compounds — including polyphenols — in apple juice may be particularly beneficial for heart health.
Final Thoughts
Polyphenols may prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from becoming oxidized and building up in your arteries. Higher levels of oxidized LDL are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke (10).One study observed that when healthy adults drank 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) of clear apple juice daily for 6 weeks, their LDL (bad) cholesterol was 20% more resistant to oxidation compared to the start of the study (11).Additionally, when healthy women drank 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) of clear apple juice, the antioxidant activity of their blood increased nearly 11% within 1 hour of drinking the juice, compared to a placebo drink (12). This boost in antioxidant activity means more potential protection from heart disease. Still, more human studies are needed to confirm these heart health benefits.Summary Human studies suggestSee full list on healthline.comPreliminary studies suggest that apple juice may support brain function and mental health as you age.Some of this protection may be due to the antioxidant activity of the polyphenols found in the juice. They may shield your brain from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals (8, 13).In a series of studies, older mice were given daily apple juice that was equivalent to 2‒3 cups (480‒720 ml) for a human. When the mice consumed the juice for one month, they:•performed significantly better onmaze-based memory tests, compared to a control group that didn’t receivethe juice (14)See full list on healthline.com1.
May contribute to weight gainIf you drink apple juice, portion control is essential. A 1-cup (240-ml) serving has 114 calories, while a medium-size apple has 95 calories (1, 18). The juice can be consumed faster than a whole apple, which can cause you to take in a large number of calories over a short period of time. Additionally, juice isn’t particularly good at satisfying hunger or helping you feel full. This may lead you to consume excess calories (19). In one study, adults were given a whole apple, applesauce, or apple juice in equal amounts based on calories. Whole apples satisfied their hunger best. Juice was the least filling — even when fiber was added to it (20). For these reasons, the risk of taking in too many calories and gaining weight from drinking juice is greater, compared to eating whole apples. This is true for both adults and children (18, 21, 22). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following daily juice limits:One cup (240 ml) is also the recommended daily limit for adults (23, 24).2. Low in vitamins and mineralsA 1-cup (240-ml) serving of apple juice is not a good source of any vitamins or minerals, meaning it doesn’t supply at least 10% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for any micronutrient (1). That said, vitamin C — or ascorbic acid — is commonly added. In many cases, apple juice is fortified to provide 100% or more of the RDI for vitamin C per serving (25). If not fortified, apple juice provides around 2% of the RDI for this vitamin per serving. For comparison, one medium apple averages 9% of the RDI (1). If you eat a variety of whole fruits and vegetables, you can easily meet your quota for vitamin C without drinking fortified juice.3. High in sugar — low in fiberChoose 100% juice varieties rather than drinks that are a blend of apple juice, added sugar, and water. Still, virtually all of the calories in 100% apple juice come from carbs — mostly from fructose and glucose, two naturally-occurring sugars (1). At the same time, a 1-cup (240-ml) serving of juice — whether clear or cloudy — supplies only 0.5 grams of fiber. For comparison, a medium apple with the peel has 4.5 grams of fiber — or 18% of the RDI — for this nutrient (1, 7). Fiber, as well as protein and fat, helps slow digestion and promotes a more moderate rise in blood sugar. The combination of high sugar and low fiber in the juice can spike your blood sugar. If you drink apple juice, pair it with something that contains protein and healthy fat to reduce its impact on your blood sugar (26). For example, when healthy adults ate a breakfast of apple juice, bread, and peanut butter, their rise in blood sugar was 30% less compared to the same meal without peanut butter (26).See full list on healthline.comApple juice can be useful for rehydrating when you’re sick. Its disease-fighting plant compounds may also protect your heart and brain as you age.However, apple juice is not very filling compared to whole apples, nor does it offer much fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Still, if you really like it, choose cloudy, organic juice with the pulp to get more beneficial plant compounds and avoid pesticide contamination. Due to its high calorie content, be sure to enjoy this juice in moderation.See full list on healthline.com Understanding its benefits and potential drawbacks helps you make smarter nutrition choices. This guide explains the science-backed advantages of apple juice, how to enjoy it safely, and what to look for when buying. · Apple juice is one of the most popular and widely available fruit juices globally due to its several health benefits that add dense nutritional value. Its health benefits can include improved heart health & digestion, detoxification of the body, increased hydration and boosted immunity. What are the health benefits of apple juice?Apple juice is one of the most popular and widely available fruit juices globally due to its several health benefits that add dense nutritional value. Its health benefits can include improved heart health & digestion, detoxification of the body, increased hydration and boosted immunity.Is apple juice good for your stomach?A bit heavier in the stomach than plain water, this juice’s sweet and fruity taste and greater amount of substance can help suppress appetite and snack cravings between meals. So next time your stomach starts growling for sugary or salty foods, try drinking down a glass of apple juice for your afternoon snack. 6. Asthma ImprovementIs 100% apple juice healthy?They’re also stripped of nearly all of their fiber, which plays a role in managing blood sugar, digestion, and weight. Most of the calories in unsweetened, 100% apple juice come from carbs, mostly from the naturally occurring sugars, fructose and glucose.Is apple juice bad for You?Apple juice offers some health benefits, but consuming excessive amounts too frequently can have a negative impact. These potential drawbacks and health risks include: Digestive problems: The sweet taste of apples is attributed to fructose. · Learn how apple juice can boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, prevent UTIs, and more. Discover the nutrients and antioxidants in apples that can improve your heart, lungs, liver, memory, skin, and hair health. Understanding its benefits and potential drawbacks helps you make smarter nutrition choices. This guide explains the science-backed advantages of apple juice, how to enjoy it safely, and what to look for when buying. · Apple juice is one of the most popular and widely available fruit juices globally due to its several health benefits that add dense nutritional value. Its health benefits can include improved heart health & digestion, detoxification of the body, increased hydration and boosted immunity. · Learn how apple juice can boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, prevent UTIs, and more. Discover the nutrients and antioxidants in apples that can improve your heart, lungs, liver, memory, skin, and hair health.
