Current:Home > ContactIs apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy. -SecureWealth Vault
Is apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy.
View
Date:2025-04-14 23:33:09
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! (8)
Related
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Pandas to return to San Diego Zoo, China to send animals in move of panda diplomacy
- Apple TV riding Lionel Messi wave with 'significant' viewership ahead of 2024 MLS season
- A Colorado man died after a Gila monster bite. Opinions and laws on keeping the lizard as a pet vary
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Minnesota man arrested in connection to murder of Los Angeles model
- Venezuela pit mine collapse reportedly leaves dozens of people buried in mud
- IRS says it has a new focus for its audits: Private jet use
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- This Lionel Messi dribble over an injured player went viral on TikTok
Ranking
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Michael Jackson's Youngest Son Bigi Blanket Jackson Looks So Grown Up on 22nd Birthday
- Find out who's calling, use AI and more with 15 smart tech tips
- This moment at the Super Bowl 'thrilled' Jeff Goldblum: 'I was eating it up'
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- One Year Later, Pennsylvanians Living Near the East Palestine Train Derailment Site Say They’re Still Sick
- Danny Masterson transferred out of maximum security prison. Why are we still talking about him?
- Amid fentanyl crisis, Oregon lawmakers propose more funding for opioid addiction medication in jails
Recommendation
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Primary Progressive Aphasia and Dementia
The authentic Ashley McBryde
Minnesota man arrested in connection to murder of Los Angeles model
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Americans reporting nationwide cellular outages from AT&T, Cricket Wireless and other providers
Tennessee firm hired kids to clean head splitters and other dangerous equipment in meat plants, feds allege
Leaked document trove shows a Chinese hacking scheme focused on harassing dissidents