Current:Home > NewsIs apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy. -PrimeFinance
Is apple juice good for you? 'Applejuiceification' is the internet's latest controversy.
View
Date:2025-04-18 05:10:51
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! (73)
Related
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Vanessa Hudgens’ Clay Mask Works in Just 4 Minutes: Get it for 35% Off During the Amazon Big Spring Sale
- Bella Hadid, Erehwon, TikTok influencers are using sea moss. Is it actually good for you?
- Refresh and Rejuvenate With 20 Self-Care Deals From the Amazon Big Spring Sale Starting at $5
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Midwest commuters face heavy snow starting Friday as New England braces for winter storm
- Who is Dan Schneider? The Nickelodeon 'golden boy' accused of abusive behavior in new doc
- The market for hippo body parts is bigger than you think. Animal groups suing to halt trade
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Kamala Harris to tour blood-stained building where 2018 Florida school massacre happened
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- This Garment Steamer Is Like a Magic Wand for Your Wardrobe and It’s Only $23 During the Amazon Big Sale
- Selena Gomez & David Henrie Have Magical Reunion in First Look at Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel
- How Prince William Supported Kate Middleton Amid Cancer Diagnosis
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Kristin Cavallari’s Boyfriend Mark Estes Responds to Criticism Over Their 13-Year Age Gap
- Israel’s Netanyahu rebuffs US plea to halt Rafah offensive. Tensions rise ahead of Washington talks
- South Africa water crisis sees taps run dry across Johannesburg
Recommendation
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
California doubles water allocation for most contractors following February storms
Kate Middleton's Cancer Diagnosis: What to Know
Mega Millions jackpot approaching $1 billion: 5 prior times lottery game has made billionaires
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
Miami Beach touts successful break up with spring break. Businesses tell a different story
What is '3 Body Problem'? Explaining Netflix's trippy new sci-fi and the three-body problem
Bruce Willis and Emma Heming celebrate 15-year wedding anniversary: 'Stronger than ever'