Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Apple Juice

Scientific studies indicate that apple juice can help maintain the level of acetylcholine―a chemical that helps in better functioning of the brain. It prevents Alzheimer's disease, which may be caused due to the low level of acetylcholine.

It is the most consumed fruit in many parts of the world, and countries like India, China, and Turkey are some of the top producers of apple. Its season starts from late summer and continues through early winter.

Like many other fruits, it is a rich source of antioxidants and is good for health. Apples are fibrous, which helps in regulating the bowel movements. There are many other benefits, and hence, it is very popular among people of all ages.

Doctors have long recognized the health benefits of apple and have recommend it to the general population. Apples are very low in saturated fat and have zero cholesterol, this coupled with the fact that they are also low in sodium, make it a very healthy fruit.

Let us take a look at the given information to know more about the nutrition in 1 cup of apple juice before moving onto the benefits.

• Calories - 117
• Protein - 0.1g
• Sodium - 7 mg
• Vitamin C - 172 %
• Carbohydrates - 29.0g
• Calcium - 2 %
• Dietary Fiber - 0.2g
• Sugar - 27.0g

Apple has polyphenols, which are good for the heart as polyphenol and flavonoids found in it are great antioxidants. Drinking apple juice in moderation benefits the heart and promotes a healthy heart.

The health benefits of flavonoids that are unique to apple, come from phlorizin (a type of flavonoid), which has been known to prevent asthma attacks. They are also known to strengthen the lungs and aid in better functioning.

In some studies, it was found that children who drank apple juice regularly had better-functioning lungs as compared to those who did not consume apple juice.

The minerals, vitamins, and alkalinity in apples act as good cleansers of the liver and is one of the biggest benefits of apple juice. Consumption of apple juice rids the liver of harmful substances and keeps the pH level of the body from turning too acidic.

The skin of an apple contains pectin, which helps cleanse the toxic substances from the digestive system. Pectin also prevents protein matter from spoiling in the intestines and provides necessary nutrition to the body.

The major reason behind many cardiovascular diseases is cholesterol, and apples have none of it. Eating apples everyday keeps the cholesterol in check and prevents many skin diseases.

The high Vitamin C content in apples strengthens our immune system and helps the body fight against harmful viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C also helps the production of collagen, which is an anti-aging supplement.

Phlorizin and Vitamin C also help prevent osteoporosis. Apples are also good for bone structure and bone density because they help absorption of iron. Boron, yet another ingredient found in apples, also helps strengthen the bones.

Apples have anticancer compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which prevent the growth of cancer cells. They have also been known to act against tumors in some experiments. The nutritional value, therefore, extends to the prevention of cancer, mainly lung cancer in women.

After looking at all the benefits, it will be hard to keep this fruit juice away from our diet. Apples have also been recommended for preventing the inflammation of the bladder, obesity, and gallbladder stones.

It is quite palatable, and does not need to be mixed with any other products, or even sweetened for that matter. However, to reap all the given benefits, it is essential to drink natural apple juice and not the preserved sweetened apple juice available in stores.