Fruits are truly the best food in nature. They are bursting with nutrition and wholesome goodness. Plus, they taste like heaven. Another great advantage of fruits is that there is such an abundant variety of them that you an are bound to find at least one fruit that you love even if you don’t consider yourself a fruit person. Fruits are so good for you that it would be difficult to say which one is the best. But the apple comes close. In fact, it is said that apple juice is second only to water when it comes to imparting health benefits.
Indeed, although the benefits of apples have long been extolled, the health benefits of apple juice are only now coming to be discovered. So why not have the whole fruit then instead of juicing it?
Well, when you eat an apple whole, you absolutely do get tons of benefits which no juice can rival. But research has shown that the kind of processing that apples undergo to create apple juice releases certain compounds in the apples which provide greater health benefits. This is true of several fruits and vegetables.
So let’s take a look at some benefits of apple juice – some of which you may have always known and others which have only recently been revealed by science. Here are some of the compounds, vitamins and minerals that render the amazing benefits of apple juice:
- potassium
- riboflavin
- vitamin C
- folic acid
- thiamin
- biotin
- vitamin B6
- carotene
- vitamin A
- calcium
- phosphorous
- potassium
- magnesium
- sulphur
- zinc
- copper
Cardiovascular Benefits of Apple Juice
The world is more stressed out than ever. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in men and women in developed nations. It is thus crucial to find a way to battle cardiovascular disease. One of the major benefits of apple juice is its ability to reduce cholesterol with its reserves of pectin and phytochemicals. Apple juice also contains phosphorous which helps to bring blood pressure under control, which in turn contributes to cardiovascular health.
Cleansing Benefits of Apple Juice
Apple juice is a wonderful detoxifier. It can thoroughly get rid of toxins from the body, which means that drinking apple juice regularly will keep your insides clean and healthy. Raw apple juice in particular works wonders in reducing your risk for diseases of the liver and kidneys.
Apple Juice – A Treasure House of Potassium
Potassium is a strong and potent anti-inflammatory. One of the benefits of apple juice is that it is simply bursting with potassium. So you can imagine the benefits of apple juice for those suffering from arthritis or rheumatism.
Benefits of Apple Juice for Anemia During Pregnancy
Mothers-to-be have to be very careful that they do not develop anemia during pregnancy. And if they do have anemia, they need to bring it under control as soon as possible to prevent complications in the pregnancy. Thankfully, one of the most amazing benefits of apple juice is its ability to keep anemia at bay. But prevention is always better than cure, especially in a pregnancy. So take advantage of the benefits of apple juice to reduce the risk of anemia and keep it away altogether. Have a glass of apple juice with honey on a regular basis to keep your hemoglobin levels up.
Anti-Aging Benefits of Apple Juice
Apple juice is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are active compounds that protect your cells from harmful free radicals and reduce the signs of aging. This means more supple skin and fewer wrinkles.
Antioxidants are also great for your mind as recent research has proven that they may be able to prevent the deterioration of brain cells, thus reducing your risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
One of the other benefits of apple juice antioxidants and flavonoids is that it may keep cancer at bay.
Weight Loss Benefits of Apple Juice
This is one of the most closely-guarded benefits of apple juice. This wonder drink can help you lose weight. Apple juice satiates so you will feel full for longer periods of time and will most likely snack less. Another great benefit of apple juice in weight loss is that it greatly improves your metabolism, which will help you burn calories more effectively.
Digestion Benefits of Apple Juice
Constipated? Have some apple juice to get your bowel movements back on track. The tartaric acid in apple juice helps to fight bad bacteria that cause digestive problems. Apples have very high levels of fiber. This helps to eliminate toxins from your body, plays a huge role in improving your digestion and boosts your metabolism. In addition, apple juice also boosts the health of your intestines and improves its functioning, thus further contributing to better digestion and waste management.
Respiratory Benefits of Apple Juice
Down some apple juice to lower your risk of developing asthma. One of the many benefits of apple juice is that it is great for the health of your lungs. Young children in particular seem to derive these benefits of apple juice more than adults. Their asthma symptoms reduce when they drink apple juice on a regular basis.
Boost Your Immune System
One of the benefits of apple juice is that the vitamin A and vitamin C in this fresh and delicious beverage improves the functioning of your immune system. This means that your body will be better equipped to fight off the occasional virus.
Get Stronger Bones
Increase bone strength with a glass of apple juice a day. The vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium in apple juice is essential in improving bone mineral density, thus leading to better bone health.
Oral Benefits of Apple Juice
Apple juice contains tannins which contributes to the health of your teeth and gums.
Menopausal Benefits of Apple Juice
Women who are approaching menopause or who have already hit menopause may suffer from some pretty annoying and uncomfortable menopause symptoms caused by the depleting levels of estrogen in the body. One of the benefits of apple juice is that it contains a compound called boron which helps maintain estrogen levels and also combats the risks of menopause such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Have freshly squeezed apple juice for the best benefits of apple juice. Juice with the peel as this is where the vitamin A is stored. Do not add sugar to your apple juice as this will just lead to weight gain from the unnecessary calories. Apple juice is anyway quite sweet so the extra sugar is not even needed. Keep an eye out for packaged apple juices that add tons of extra sugar to make it appealing to children. Steer clear of these varieties.
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