7 Benefits of Apple Juice (and 6 Downsides)

Medically Reviewed on 8/3/2022
7 Benefits of Apple Juice
Studies have linked apple juice consumption to reduced waistlines, levels of body fat, cholesterol, risk of diabetes, and blood pressure.

Usually, it takes two medium-sized fruits to generate one cup of juice. After pressing the apples, most juices are filtered or pasteurized to eliminate any particle debris, resulting in a thinner consistency of the finished extract.

Many types of apple juices are concentrated, which means that most of the water has been removed, making the juice taste sweeter. While concentrate may seem terrible, it just implies that it has been processed more thoroughly than other apple juices. This does not imply that it loses any of its impacts, but it does miss out on the advantages of freshly pressed apple juice.

Learn the seven health benefits of apple juice below.

The nutritional content of apple juice

Table. The nutritional facts of 8 ounces (240 mL) of apple juice (DV = Daily Value)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 110
Carbohydrates 28 grams, 9 percent of the DV
Vitamin C 78 mg, 130 percent of the DV
Potassium 300 mg, 9 percent of the DV
Sodium 36 mg, 1 percent of the DV

Additionally, apple juice contains:

  • Vitamin B
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Copper

7 health benefits of apple juice

  1. Boosts immunity
    • Apple juice contains a significant quantity of vitamin C, which is essential to the body's immune system.
    • Vitamin C enhances the immune system, acting as an antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress and inflammation.
  2. Relieves constipation
  3. Promotes heart health
    • The micronutrients in apple juice may help lower the levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood.
    • However, extensive study is required to understand if it works or how it works.
    • Lowering your cholesterol implies that your heart will be healthier because it will not have to work as hard to pump blood around your body.
    • Reduced cholesterol levels may help with weight problems.
  4.  Prevents cancer
    • Apple juice can reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and alleviate some of its symptoms.
    • Studies suggest that drinking apple juice or eating apples can reduce the risk of lung and colon cancer.
    • Maintain a healthy weight and stay active to reap the benefits of regular exercise and maximize the beneficial effects of apple juice.
    • Apple juice's high vitamin C concentration and polyphenols have antioxidant properties.
  5. Improves skin health
    • Vitamin C helps heal wounds, clot the blood properly, and keep cells healthy and operating efficiently, including skin regeneration and repair.
  6. Increases metabolism
    • Long-term studies may have linked apple juice consumption to reduced waistlines, levels of body fat, cholesterol, risk of diabetes, and blood pressure, which are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
    • Thus, apple juice can improve metabolism and may even protect the heart.
  7. Protects the brain as you age
    • Polyphenolic antioxidants in apple juice protect the brain from harm caused by unstable chemicals called free radicals.
    • It prevents brain cell death.
    • It is used to treat neurological illnesses, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

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6 possible downsides to apple juice

  1. Causes gastrointestinal issues
    • Excessive drinking of apple juice may result in gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and flatulence.
    • Research has found that the presence of sorbitol and fructose in apple juice may induce persistent diarrhea.
    • You must avoid the consumption of apple juice on an empty stomach because its high sugar content may cause gas and bloat.
  2. Increase risk of kidney stones
    • Apple juice contains oxalates.
    • A study discovered that excessive consumption of dietary oxalates may directly contribute to kidney stone production.
    • The recommended daily dose of apple juice is 240 mL.
  3. Promotes tooth decay
    • Fruit juices contain a lot of sugar.
    • These sugars are consumed by bacteria in the mouth, which may result in tooth erosion.
    • Packaged apple juice is acidic and may cause dental enamel damage.
  4. Increases blood sugar levels
    • Like all juices, apple juice may accumulate sugar in circulation at a slower rate and in smaller quantities.
    • When more sugar enters the circulation fast, the body has more sugar accessible than it can use as an energy source.
    • This stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin to eliminate the sugar.
    • The blood sugar surge is followed by a blood sugar drop, which stimulates appetite and food consumption.
    • Therefore, consuming fruit juice might result in poor blood sugar management and weight gain.
  5. Weight gain
    • Just like other fruit beverages, apple juice does not quickly fill your stomach. This increases the consumption of a large amount of juice at once.
    • Juices typically have added sugars and a high concentration of carbs, which raises your calorie consumption.
    • Thus, if you drink fresh apple juice instead of entire apples daily, you may gain weight.
  6. Low in vitamins and minerals
    • Enhanced fruit juices are frequently fortified with vitamin C. Furthermore, the required amount of juice (240 mL per day) does not include all the needed vitamins and minerals.
    • Research done by the Institute of Food Science, Technology, and Nutrition reports that the consumption of apple polyphenols from whole apples is superior to apple juice.
    • Whole apples contain fiber, and apple juice may have less fiber.
Medically Reviewed on 8/3/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Apple Juice. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/549399/nutrients

Health Benefits of Apple Juice Consumption: A Review of Interventional Trials on Humans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8879758/