Apple Juice - Health Effects

Health Effects

Vitamin C is sometimes added by fortification, because content is variable, and much of that is lost in processing. Vitamin C also helps to prevent oxidation of the product. Other vitamin concentrations are low, but apple juice does contain various mineral nutrients, including boron, which may promote healthy bones. Apple juice has a significant concentration of natural phenols of low molecular weight (including chlorogenic acid, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols) and procyanidins that may protect from diseases associated with aging due to the antioxidant effects which help reduce the likelihood of developing cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Research suggests that apple juice increases acetylcholine in the brain, possibly resulting in improved memory. Despite having some health benefits, apple juice is high in sugar. It has 28 g carbohydrates (24 g sugars) per 8 ounces. This results in 130 calories per 8 ounces (protein and fat are not significant), which is comparable to non-diet soft drinks such as Pepsi and 7 Up. Also like most fruit juice, apple juice contains a similar amount of sugar as the raw fruit, but lacks the fiber content.