Current:Home > MyIs apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy. -GrowthInsight
Is apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy.
View
Date:2025-04-14 17:43:37
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! (2974)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Teen who leaked Grand Theft Auto VI sentenced to indefinite stay in secure hospital, report says
- Dodgers' furious spending spree tops $1 billion with Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing
- Reality sets in for Bengals in blowout loss to Mason Rudolph-led Steelers
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Key takeaways from AP’s look at the emerging wave of sports construction in the US
- '8 Mile' rapper-actor Nashawn Breedlove's cause of death revealed
- A rebel attack on Burundi from neighboring Congo has left at least 20 dead, the government says
- Former Milwaukee hotel workers charged with murder after video shows them holding down Black man
- Bills vs. Chargers Saturday NFL game highlights: Buffalo escapes LA with crucial victory
Ranking
- Paris Olympics live updates: Quincy Hall wins 400m thriller; USA women's hoops in action
- Minor earthquakes rattle Hawaii’s Big Island, Puget Sound area, with no damage reported
- A next big ballot fight over abortion could come to Arizona
- Ariana Grande Gives a Cute Nod to Boyfriend Ethan Slater With Her Holiday Decorations
- Your Wedding Guests Will Thank You if You Get Married at These All-Inclusive Resorts
- Man suspected of trying to steal items in Alaska shot by resident, authorities say
- 2023 was a year of big anniversaries
- Man suspected of trying to steal items in Alaska shot by resident, authorities say
Recommendation
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale Has Jaw-Dropping 60% Discounts on SKIMS, Kate Spade, Spanx, More
Injury causes Sean Kuraly to collapse behind Columbus Blue Jackets' bench
Where Jonathan Bennett Thinks His Mean Girls' Character Aaron Samuels Is Today
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
Florida woman captures Everglades alligator eating python. Wildlife enthusiasts rejoice
New York governor commutes sentence of rapper G. Dep who had turned self in for cold case killing
Simone Biles Speaks Out Amid Criticism Over Jonathan Owens' Relationship Comments