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Apples are a popular fruit grown throughout different parts of the world, including the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Poland, and Turkey.¹ Apples used for apple juice are typically harvested between September to Mid-November in the Northern hemispheres and February to Mid-April in the Southern hemispheres.²

There are many health benefits when it comes to enjoying a glass of apple juice. Here are 5 apple juice benefits.

Aids in Hydration

Apple juice is approximately 88% water and 11% carbohydrates.² This makes apple juice a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Adequate hydration is important because water supports your body’s temperature, organ functions, and mood regulation.

Another bonus to using apple juice for hydration is it can be used to treat those who are dehydrated. Some pediatricians recommend mixing apple juice with water to dilute it to help dehydrated individuals maintain fluids. This makes apple juice a possible treatment alternative to electrolyte drinks, but more severe cases should still use electrolyte drinks as the primary treatment.³

Might Support Heart Health

Apple juice and apples have been proven in a study conducted by UC Davis School of Medicine to reduce the risk of heart disease. There are compounds found within apples that can help reduce the body’s amount of LDL cholesterol, which is the “bad” cholesterol that clogs the arteries and puts you at risk for coronary heart disease.⁴

Another study found that women who drank apple juice had an 11% antioxidant increase in their blood. Antioxidants are important for combating heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.³

Protects the Brain

Apple juice has been proven to protect the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are nerve cells that transmit messages to other cells in the body. One of the neurotransmitters that apple juice preserves is acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that prevents Alzheimer’s disease.⁵

One study looked at participants ages 72-93 to find if 4 ounces of apple juice twice a week would make a positive impact on Alzheimer’s. The researchers found by the end of the study that apple juice reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s by 75%.⁶

Maintain Weight

As you age, it’s important to maintain your weight because being overweight can put your body at risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and heart disease.⁷

Apple juice can help aid in weight loss because it contains .5 grams of fiber per cup.⁸ Fiber is important for weight management because it helps regulate digestive health by helping the body feel fuller for longer.

Boost Immunity

Another one of the benefits of apple juice is it can boost immunity. Apple juice contains Vitamin C, which plays a role in growing and repairing tissues in the body.⁹

Apple juice also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Apple juice with pulp in it, which is usually cloudier in color, will typically contain more polyphenols.³

How to Add More Apple Juice to Your Diet

Here are a few ways you can add apple juice to your everyday diet:

• Drink apple juice
• Add apple juice to your smoothies
• Use apple juice as a salad dressing ingredient
• Add apple juice to your yogurt
• Use apple juice in homemade popsicles
• Top meats with apple juice as a sauce
• Add apple juice to your porridge
• Add apple juice to your soup
• Top pancakes or waffles with apple juice

Cautions of Apple Juice

While apple juice is a great drink to add to your diet, it should be consumed in moderation. There are a few cautions when it comes to apple juice, such as high sugar content and low amounts of vitamins and minerals. This makes apple juice a drink that can potentially lead to weight gain without the nutritional benefits other drinks provide.

To drink the healthiest apple juice, try to find brands with as few ingredients as possible. Avoid brands with added sugars or preservatives. You can also squeeze your own apple juice at home to ensure you’re drinking apple juice that provides the best health benefits.

Enjoy The Health Benefits of Apple Juice!

Adding apple juice to your diet is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of apples. If you’re able to, purchase apples or apple juice directly from local growers to support your community.

Here at Saber Healthcare, our dietary team works to create menus that help our residents achieve their nutritional goals. We focus on meeting the daily recommended vitamins and nutrients while making our food taste great.

To learn more about Saber Healthcare and what we offer, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. “APPLE FRUIT JUICE.” Real Fruit Power. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.realfruitpower.com/fruit-juices/apple-juice#:~:text=Apple%20Fruit%20Juice&text=Originally%20a%20descendent%20of%20Malus,a%20favorite%20across%20the%20world.
2. “Apple Juice.” Wikipedia. 18 September 2022. Accessed 19 September 2022. Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_juice
3. McCulloch, Marsha. 4 Benefits of Apple Juice (And 5 Downsides).” “Red Ventures, Healthline Media. 1 April 2019. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-juice-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
4. Rockwell, Susanne. “Heart Benefits From Apples and Apple Juice.” UC Davis. 28 February 2001. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/heart-benefits-apples-and-apple-juice
5. Warner, Jennifer. Chang, Louise, ed. “Apple Juice May Boost Memory.” WebMD. 4 August 2006. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20060804/apple-juice-boost-memory#:~:text=Apple%20Juice%20May%20Boost%20Memory&text=An%20apple%20(or%20two)%20a,essential%20neurotransmitter%20known%20as%20acetylcholine.
6. Sauer, Alissa. “Apple Juice May Help with Brain Cognition.” Alzheimers.net. 5 February 2015. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.alzheimers.net/apple-juice-may-help-brain-cognition
7. “Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 7 July 2022. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html
8. Brennan, Dan. “Apple Cider: Are There Health Benefits?” WebMD. 16 November 2020. Accessed 16 September 2022. Link: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-apple-cider
9. Moore, Marisa, ed. “How Vitamin C Supports a Healthy Immune System.” Eat Right. 30 March 2021. Accessed 19 September 2022. Link: https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/how-vitamin-c-supports-a-healthy-immune-system