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. Apple juice might provide better cognition, strengthened metabolism, possibly weight loss, and may improve respiratory health.
What is Apple Juice?
Apple juice is made through the pressing of apples, of which there are hundreds of varieties in the world. It takes two medium-sized fruits to make one cup of juice, so these fruits are grown in huge numbers. After the apples are pressed, most juices are further filtered or pasteurized, which helps to remove any particulate matter, resulting in a thinner consistency of the final extract.
McIntosh apples are the most common types of apples used to make this delicious juice and China is the largest producer of apples in the world. Very often, there’s a debate between apple cider vs apple juice. Apple cider is an unfiltered and unpasteurized liquid initially pressed from apples and then fermented. For all apple lovers, here is our detailed recipe on how to make apple juice in the comfort of your kitchen.
Apple juice is healthy and filled with vital nutrients. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 88.24 |
| Energy | 46 |
| Energy [kJ] | 191 |
| Protein [g] | 0.1 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 0.13 |
| Ash [g] | 0.23 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 11.3 |
| Fiber, total dietary [g] | 0.2 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 9.62 |
| Sucrose [g] | 1.26 |
| Glucose (dextrose) [g] | 2.63 |
| Fructose [g] | 5.73 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 8 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 0.12 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 5 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 7 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 101 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 4 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.02 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.01 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 0.07 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 0.1 |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] | 0.9 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.02 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.02 |
| Niacin [mg] | 0.07 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.05 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.02 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 1.8 |
| Betaine [mg] | 0.1 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 1 |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] | 16 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] | 0.01 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 0.02 |
| 14:0 [g] | 0 |
| 16:0 [g] | 0.02 |
| 18:0 [g] | 0 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 0.01 |
| 18:1 [g] | 0.01 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 0.04 |
| 18:2 [g] | 0.03 |
| 18:3 [g] | 0.01 |
| Sources include : USDA [1] | |
Apple Juice Nutrition
Apple juice can retain many of the key nutrients of apples, including possibly vitamin C and various B vitamins, and different minerals, such as magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, and copper. Some of the fiber is also retained in this juice, as are the phytochemicals, flavonols, and procyanidins. Apple juice concentrates on a single cup that represents about 10% of your daily required carbohydrates is due to the natural sugars found in it. Potassium is the most important mineral in this juice, with a single serving delivering roughly 7% of your required daily intake. [2]
Apple Juice Calories
According to the USDA FoodData Central [3], 100 g of unsweetened apple juice can contain 46 calories. Given the calorie count, make sure you consume this beverage in moderation.
Apple Juice Benefits
Apple juice offers a plethora of health benefits. Let us discuss them in detail below.
May Improve Heart Health
Potassium might be present in higher concentrations in this juice, which is good news for your heart health. Potassium can be a vasodilator, which means it can lower tension in your arteries and blood vessels. It might help in relieving pressure and strain on the cardiovascular system. Moreover, apple juice might prevent cholesterol formation in your arteries, which is often the major reason for heart attacks and other cardiovascular ailments. [4]
Might Boost Immunity
Apple juice might have a notable amount of vitamin C, a key component of the body’s immune system. Vitamin C can stimulate the immune system, thereby functioning as an antioxidant compound that prevents oxidative stress and reduces inflammation. [5]
Might Give Relief from Constipation
Apples might contain malic acid, which may improve the digestive rate and can support liver function. In combination with fiber and other stimulating minerals in apple juice, this juice might relieve symptoms of constipation, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Furthermore, it also might contain sorbitol which may help in smoothing the digestive tract, thereby easing the movement of stool. [6]
Skin Care
Apples can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as fresh fruit and as a juice that is further processed into apple vinegar, apple cider, or distilled. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, apple juice is beneficial for the skin. It helps in reducing inflammation, itching, and wrinkles. Furthermore, it also prevents premature skin aging. [7]
Protect Brain Health
Antioxidants are known to prevent oxidative stress in the body. According to a 2011 comprehensive study in the Advances in Nutrition journal, apple juice may have the potential to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. Another 2010 study showed that antioxidants present in this fruit juice may help relieve symptoms of neurological diseases. [8] [9]
Boosts Metabolism
Long-term research may have linked the consumption of apple juice with smaller waistlines, lower levels of body fat, lower cholesterol levels, lesser risk of diabetes, and lower blood pressure, all of which are risk factors known as metabolic syndrome. For this reason, apple juice can help optimize your metabolism and might protect your heart. [10] [11]
Improves Liver Function
As mentioned, malic acid can improve liver function. Apple juice, when combined with water, might stimulate urination and may promote the release of excess salts and fats from the body. The alkaline content can also help in flushing out toxins, maintaining a good pH balance in the body, which thereby may be acting as a liver cleanser. [12]
Other Benefits
- Eye health: Vitamin A present in apples might help to sharpen vision and is useful for the eye. [13]
- Haircare: Apple vinegar might contain compounds that are responsible for hair growth and adding luster to locks. [14]
- Estrogen level: A chemical called phytoestrogen prevents estrogen levels from being affected. This process may regulate menstruation and reproduction. [15]
Word of caution: We seldom have a question, is apple juice acidic? The answer is yes, apple juice is acidic and may cause acid reflux. It is advisable to consult your doctor before regulating this juice in your diet.
