Current:Home > FinanceIs apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy. -ProfitEdge
Is apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy.
View
Date:2025-04-18 15:10:16
The latest topic of viral online discourse might surprise you: It's apple juice.
X, formerly known as Twitter, user @echetus posted a thread on Monday, highlighting what they dubbed "applejuiceification and the illusion of choice." In other words, many varieties of juices sold at the grocery store contain a majority of apple juice, even if they're labeled as other flavors including "guava and lime," "pink dragon fruit and lychee" and "kiwi and cucumber."
While apple juice may not be what you think you're signing up for with a drink like that, does its inclusion have any health indications? Here's what experts say about the nutritional value of apple juice.
Is apple juice good for you?
The grocery aisle may offer you a slew of choices when it comes to apple juice. Depending on which kind you pick up, you'll likely benefit from adding some carbohydrates to your diet, as well as nutrients including vitamin C.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for adults range from 75 to 90 milligrams. Most apple juice brands offer an entire day's worth of vitamin C in one serving.
Vitamin C offers a slew of potential benefits including lessening common cold symptoms, promoting heart health and making collagen, an essential protein in making the body's connective tissue, research has shown.
Apple juice can also help keep you hydrated, thanks to its "high water content, electrolytes and natural sugars," registered dietitian Abbey Sharp tells USA TODAY.
Why does apple juice have so much sugar?
Sharp notes that some apple juice brands found at the grocery store may have a high sugar content due to added sugars to "enhance flavor." They also contain natural sugars from the apple.
Best apples to eat?Healthiest types from green to red and everything in between
The main difference between eating a piece of fruit and drinking fruit juice is that the latter usually removes the fruit's fiber, which is what helps slow down the body's blood sugar response, Sharp notes. That doesn't make one better or worse, but experts note that for those who have been told by a doctor to watch their blood sugar, pairing a non-fibrous fruit juice with a more balanced meal containing fiber, protein and/or fat can help better regulate the blood sugar and deliver a higher quality of nutrition.
"All juices are typically stripped of their beneficial fibers that help slow the absorption of sugars and reduce the glycemic index," Sharp says. That means that even unsweetened apple juice can cause blood sugar spikes.
Apple juice is also acidic. Sharp warns that those with acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and tooth sensitivity may experience exacerbated symptoms after drinking apple juice due to the acidity.
Are refined grains really the enemy?Here’s what nutrition experts want you to know
What is the healthiest juice to drink?
If you're looking to maximize health benefits and minimize downsides, Sharp recommends going for a vegetable-based juice or a juice or smoothie with the fruit's fibers still in tact, such as orange juice with pulp.
More:Bella Hadid, Erehwon, TikTok influencers are using sea moss. Is it actually good for you?
But overall, diet experts wants to remind people that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy.
“The healthiest food in any category will depend on you, your budget, your culture, your health goals, and so much more,” registered dietitian Miranda Galati previously told USA TODAY. “It’s amazing to make more nutrient-dense choices when possible, but choosing the more processed or convenient option isn’t always a bad thing either. As a registered dietitian who wants you to build a healthy lifestyle that lasts, I’d recommend ditching the idea that there’s a healthiest version of anything.”
veryGood! (887)
Related
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- At Cairo summit, even Arab leaders at peace with Israel expressed growing anger over the Gaza war
- Family member of slain Israelis holds out hope for three missing relatives: It's probably everyone's greatest nightmare
- No. 3 Ohio State rides stingy defense to defeat of No. 6 Penn State
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Another promising young college student has died. The truth about fentanyl.
- Venezuelan opposition holds presidential primary in exercise of democracy, but it could prove futile
- Biden gets temporary Supreme Court win on social media case but Justice Alito warns of 'censorship'
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- US moves carrier to Middle East following attacks on US forces
Ranking
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Little light, no beds, not enough anesthesia: A view from the ‘nightmare’ of Gaza’s hospitals
- A 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Nepal damages dozens of homes and causes a landslide
- Murdaugh family home goes on sale for $1.95 million: Photos show Moselle Estate House
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- James Patterson talks writing stories and fighting Norman Mailer
- Keep Your Summer Glow and Save 54% On St. Tropez Express Self-Tanning Mousse
- Pakistan’s thrice-elected, self-exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returns home ahead of vote
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
The Browns' defense is real, and it's spectacular
They were Sam Bankman-Fried's friends. Now they could send him to prison for life
James Patterson talks writing stories and fighting Norman Mailer
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
Norway’s 86-year-old king tests positive for COVID-19 and has mild symptoms
Biden is dangling border security money to try to get billions more for Israel and Ukraine
How Former NFL Player Sergio Brown Ended Up Arrested in Connection With His Mother's Killing