One thing that most of us grew up listening about is “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But, imagine having that apple each and every day, in the form of fresh juice that is made from apples! The fact is that drinking fresh apple juice each morning when you eat your breakfast can prove more useful than you could possibly imagine and may even make you less dependent on certain vitamins.
In this article, we shall take a look at what fresh apple juice actually consists of, what vitamins and nutrients it will provide you with, and how drinking it every day may help improve your health.
WHY FRESH APPLE JUICE IS NOT THE SAME AS COMMERCIALLY BOTTLED APPLE JUICE
To begin with, there is an important difference that needs to be noted right away. All of the mentioned health advantages are valid for fresh or cold pressed apple juice only, but not for commercially produced ones.
The juice sold in supermarkets is generally pasteurized and heat-treated, which eliminates much of the vitamins and enzymes. Moreover, some kinds of commercial apple juice include added sugar and preservatives. In contrast, homemade fresh apple juice does not undergo such treatments and keeps all the plant elements beneficial for human health.
WHAT VITAMINS ARE IN FRESH APPLE JUICE?
Let’s take a look at some of the important vitamins that are present in a typical glass of fresh apple juice:
VITAMIN C: One of the popular vitamins present in fresh apple juice is Vitamin C. The amount of Vitamin C that you get from a cup of apple juice can be about 2 to 3 milligrams. Even though this quantity might seem low compared to other juices, such as those made with citrus fruits, it does make up for part of your Vitamin C requirement for the day. Vitamin C improves your immunity and functions as an antioxidant.
VITAMIN A: The fresh apple juice also contains trace amounts of beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A by the body. This vitamin helps maintain healthy vision, immunity, and aids in the formation of new skin cells.
VITAMIN B6: The juice also contains Vitamin B6, which is used for the brain’s development and assists the body in manufacturing two hormones known as serotonin and norepinephrine.
VITAMIN K: While present in trace amounts, Vitamin K is crucial as far as blood clotting and bone metabolism is concerned.
FOLATE (VITAMIN B9): Folate is found in fresh apple juice. It promotes cell growth and helps manufacture DNA. Folate is also vital for pregnant women.
POTASSIUM: Although not a vitamin, potassium is one of the most prominent minerals in apple juice. It aids the proper functioning of the heart, assists in regulating blood pressure levels, and helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
MAJOR HEALTH BENEFITS OF CONSUMING FRESH APPLE JUICE ON A DAILY BASIS
1. Boosts Immunity
The presence of vitamin C along with natural antioxidants in fresh apple juice helps boost your immunity gradually. Antioxidants such as quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and catechin present naturally in apples can be obtained from fresh apple juice. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting the body from oxidative stress and related diseases.
2. Maintains Heart Health
Polyphenols present in apples have been proved time and again to promote heart health. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has revealed the benefits of apple polyphenols in decreasing the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Oxidation of LDL is known to be the major cause of heart ailments.
3. Promotes Brain and Cognitive Health
In yet another aspect of research, there has been growing interest regarding the link between apple intake and brain and cognitive wellness. According to several researchers, quercetin, one of the flavonoids present in apples, has neuroprotective benefits. Thus, starting your day with freshly squeezed apple juice will ensure good cognitive functioning well into the future.
4. Assists With Digestion
Unfiltered fresh apple juice is known to contain sorbitol, which functions as a natural sugar alcohol laxative. This means that consuming apple juice will promote good digestion through proper bowel movement. Further, fresh apple juice promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, thus promoting good digestion.
5. Hydrates and Energizes the Body
Approximately 88% of fresh apple juice consists of water, making it a perfect drink to consume as soon as you wake up because of its hydrating properties. Fructose, which naturally occurs in fresh apple juice, is a great source of energy that does not lead to energy spikes followed by fatigue and low mood. That is why this drink should be included into your breakfast regimen.
6. Improves Skin Health
Antioxidants contained in fresh apple juice are responsible for protecting the body from oxidative stress that leads to skin cell damage, whereas Vitamin C, which is also a key component of fresh apple juice, actively participates in the production of collagen protein, which makes skin strong and elastic. Most nutritionists suggest drinking fresh fruit juices in the morning.
7. Helps in Cutting Down Vitamin Supplements
There are many individuals who consume multiple vitamins or supplements because there may be deficiencies in the nutrition provided by the regular diet. While it is important to take supplements sometimes, apple juice provides a natural way to gain several nutrients without having to purchase supplements. Nutrients that come from natural foods are always more bioavailable compared to synthetic supplements.
If you are looking to cut down on the use of vitamin supplements, then apple juice with breakfast is an important starting point.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE JUICE MORE EFFECTIVE FOR YOU
CHOOSE THE CORRECT TYPE OF APPLES: Apple varieties such as Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith have a high level of antioxidants. The organic option will lower your risk of ingesting pesticides.
CONSUME IT IMMEDIATELY: It is crucial to drink freshly prepared apple juice since it starts losing its nutritional value fast. Drink it between 15-20 minutes after you prepared it.
DON’T STRAIN IT: Filtering out the pulp means taking away much of the fiber and phytonutrients from the juice. Leave it thick and cloudy.
ENJOY IT ALONG WITH BREAKFAST: Apple juice will complement any breakfast that consists of protein and healthy fat sources. This way, the absorption of sugars will be slowed down.
DON’T ADD ANYTHING: Fresh apple juice is naturally sweet, so there is no need to make it even sweeter by adding sugar.
WHO SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO THE DAILY INTAKE OF APPLE JUICE?
Apple juice is typically healthy and harmless to all people who drink it regularly. People suffering from diabetes or problems with their blood sugar levels should be careful when drinking apple juice because of the presence of fructose. Similarly, individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should also limit themselves while drinking apple juice because of sorbitol.
It is always wise to consult a doctor and make sure that apple juice is healthy for you especially if you suffer from any serious illness.
DEEPLYEXPRESS: OVERVIEW
Freshly squeezed apple juice may not be a magic potion; however, it is definitely a potent element in your daily routine. This juice supplies your body with all the essential nutrients, including various types of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, which have an effect on numerous vital aspects of your health, such as your immune system, heart, brain, skin, and digestion. If you want to lower your dependence on supplements and increase the amount of nutrients from natural sources, it would be a good idea to incorporate freshly squeezed apple juice into your routine.
The crucial thing here is perseverance. A single cup of apple juice will not change anything overnight; however, consistent drinking will yield results.
Leave A Comment