Is Apple Juice Bad For You?
Short answer
Apple juice is good for you and provides great nutrients, however, one must watch the sugar content.
Recommended Alternative
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
If you believe apple juice has many benefits and is a great alternative to soda, you are correct! We all know the saying, "An apple a day, keep the doctors away" - this is so because apples are packed with antioxidants necessary for disease prevention. In addition to this, apple juice contains ascorbic acid, or vitamin c, which can help boost the immune system, protect cells, maintain healthy tissues, and improve wound healing. It is even reported by scientists from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute that apple juice is helpful in decreasing the onset of asthma symptoms.
Since apple juice is packed with essential nutrients, it is very beneficial for the overall well-being of an individual. So, if apple juice is so good, why did it receive such a rating? This is because apple juice is packed with sugar. Some brands even add sugar, totaling up to more than 30g per serving. Excessive amounts of sugar may lead to blood sugar elevation, tooth decay, hyperactivity, weight gain, migraines and diabetes in the long-term.
Therefore, when selecting apple juice pay close attention to the labels to ensure that you are not ingesting high levels of sugar.
Possible short-term side effects
- blood sugar spike
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hyperactivity
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headache / migraine
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- decreases risk of disease
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boosts the immune system
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reduces cholesterol
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promotes heart health
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promotes cell protection
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promotes healthy tissue
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improves wound healing
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increases energy
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Mott's Apple Juice
- 100% pure juice
- No added sugar
- Rich in Vitamin C
- Convenient bottles
- 24-count multipack
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023