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:2025-04-13 18:21:12
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! (312)
Related
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Andrew Tate can be extradited to face U.K. sex offense allegations, but not yet, Romania court rules
- AP PHOTOS: Muslims around the world observe holy month of Ramadan with prayer, fasting
- Evangelical Christians are fierce Israel supporters. Now they are visiting as war-time volunteers
- Small twin
- Riverdale’s Vanessa Morgan Breaks Silence on “Painful” Divorce From Michael Kopech
- Gymshark 70% Off Deals Won’t Be Here for Long: Save Big, Train Hard
- Bill Self's contract has him atop basketball coaches pay list. What to know about deal
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- 2024 Oscars ratings reveal biggest viewership in 4 years
Ranking
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Jurors watch deadly assault video in James Crumbley involuntary manslaughter case
- Can women and foreigners help drive a ramen renaissance to keep Japan's noodle shops on the boil?
- How to test your blood sugar levels and why it's critical for some people
- Sam Taylor
- Author Mitch Albom, 9 others evacuated by helicopter from violence-torn Port-au-Prince
- Model Kelvi McCray Dead at 18 After Being Shot by Ex While on FaceTime With Friends
- Berkeley to return parking lot on top of sacred site to Ohlone tribe after settlement with developer
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
45 states are now covered by a climate action plan. These 5 opted out.
Mass kidnappings from Nigeria schools show the state does not have control, one expert says
50 years later, Tommy John surgery remains a game-changer
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Savannah plans a supersized 200th anniversary celebration of its beloved St. Patrick’s Day parade
2024 Oscars ratings reveal biggest viewership in 4 years
Police search for a University of Missouri student in Nashville