How much apple juice should I drink a day? When considering apples, an apple is a fruit that grows on an apple tree. Apple trees are the most commonly grown species in the Malus genus and are grown all over the world. The tree is thought to have originated in Central Asia. Apples have been cultivated in Asia and Europe for thousands of years. European colonists brought them to North America.
When considering apples, apples use to prepare different products such as jam, jelly, pulp, juice, and apple concentrate. Here we mainly talk about apple juice. There are various unit operations in apple juice processing at the commercial level.
Apple juice processing (Commercial)
Visual inspection – Examine the apples. Some apples are not permitted such as moldy apples.
Washing – After that, the apples are water-washed for up to 45 minutes. The aim is to get rid of pesticides and dirt on the surfaces. Sometimes physical scrubbing is used, which may reduce the wash time.
Mash – A grinder or mill uses to macerate the apple. The apples are chopped up and made into apple mash using a grinder, apple mill, or hammer mill. Pectinases are the main enzymes that use in the processing of apple juice. During the maceration process, a mixture of pectin methylesterase and endo-polygalacturonase will increase the juice yield. The enzymes minimize the stickiness and viscosity.
Press – Extract the juice from the mash using a hydraulic press. 60-70 percent is a standard yield. Apples produce less juice as they mature and become more moist and soft. At work, this is the ripening method. The pulp residue and water mix together and are pressed once more. The target is to increase the sweetness which is measured in Brix. The Brix scale, which measures soluble solids in a liquid, can range from 12 to 12.3 during this phase. Since the solids in apples are mainly starch, this translates to 12 to 12.3 percent sugar.
Filtration – Here the apple juice filter into holding tanks to remove any sediment. If enzymes did not add to the mash, they can add now. The enzyme addition may use to prevent filter clogging, increase filtration, improve transparency, or speed up the filtration process.
Also, we can prepare apple juice easily at home.
Apple juice processing (Home)
- Start by washing the apple and then coring it to remove the seeds. Using a knife, cut the apples into slices. The apples do not need to be peeled.
- Add the apples to the pot and just cover them with water. If you use too much water, the juice will be much diluted. This juice can be a little intense at first, but it’s far easier to dilute it with more water than it is to try to make them taste better.
- Boil the apples slowly for 20-25 minutes, or until they are very soft. In your fine mesh strainer, place a coffee filter or a piece of cheesecloth over a cup.
- Ladle the apple mixture slowly into a fine mesh strainer and mash the apples gently. The apple mush will be left behind as the juice is drained through the bottom of your cup. Put the mush in a separate bowl and set it aside for later. Repeat until you get all of the juice into the cup.
- After the juice has cooled for a few minutes, taste it. Depending on your tastes, you can add more sugar or cinnamon. If the taste is too good, you can add a little bit of water at a time to weaken it.
- By pureeing the apple mush you gathered and adding a smidgen of sugar and cinnamon to taste, you can easily make it into applesauce.
- Please keep in mind that since your homemade apple juice contains no preservatives, it must be kept refrigerated and consumed within a week!
This is one of the methods and there are various ways to prepare apple juice.
Drinking a lot of apple juice has both positive and negative effects on your body. Apple juice is high in nutrients, but it is also high in calories and can contain contaminants.
How much apple juice should I drink a day?
The following daily juice limits are recommended by the American of Pediatrics:
- 1 – 3 (Age) ½ cup (120 mL) (Juice limit)
- 3 – 6 ½ – ¾ cup (120 – 175 mL)
- 7 – 18 1 cup (240 mL)
- Adults 1 cup (240 mL)
But, there are both advantages and disadvantages of drinking apple juice.
Benefits of apple juice
Here we mainly consider six benefits of apple juice under the topic of “How much apple juice should I drink a day?”
Contains beneficial plant compounds
Apples are high in polyphenols, which are plant compounds. Although the majority of these compounds can find in the peel of the apple. Others are in the flesh of the apple and preserve in the juice. These plant compounds can protect your cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. Both of these mechanisms are involved in the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Support heart health
Apple juice contains polyphenols. Polyphenols may help to prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing and forming plaque in your arteries. Oxidized LDL levels have been related to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Support hydration
Apple juice is made up of 88 percent water and has a pleasant flavor. This makes it easy to eat. Especially for those who are sick and at risk of dehydration. In fact, some pediatricians suggest half-strength apple juice, which is a mixture of half juice and half water, for sick children over the age of one who is slightly dehydrated. When using it to rehydrate after an illness, dilute it to half-strength to prevent side effects.
Support brain function
According to preliminary research, apple juice can help with brain function and mental health as you get older. Some of this defense may be attributed to the polyphenols in the juice’s antioxidant activity. They can protect your brain from free radicals, which are unstable molecules.
May relieve symptoms of Asthma
Apple juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties, which can help relieve asthma symptoms. Fruit juice is well-known for its ability to keep asthma attacks in control.
May relieve constipation
The large intestine absorbs too much water and causes constipation. This is a serious medical condition. Sorbitol is a solution to this problem which can find in apples. This material draws water into the colon before it enters the large intestine. This softens the stool and makes it easier to move.
Side effects of apple juice
How much apple juice should you drink a day? This is also similar to “How much apple juice should I drink a day?” When considering this, here we mainly consider six side effects of apple juice.
May contribute to weight gain
The juice can consume more quickly than whole apples. This could result in a large number of calories consumed in a short period of time. Juice also doesn’t do a great job of satisfying hunger or making you feel whole. This will cause you to eat too many calories. As a result, drinking juice carries a higher risk of consuming too many calories and gaining weight than eating whole apples. This is valid for adults as well as children.
May cause gastrointestinal problems
Excessive apple juice intake can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and flatulence. So, don’t drink the juice on an empty stomach. Due to its high sugar content, it can cause gas and bloat.
High risk of kidney stones
Apple juice contains oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Excessive consumption of dietary oxalates can cause kidney stone formation. 240 mL of apple juice a day could be the optimal dose.
May encourage tooth decay
Sugar is abundant in fruit juices. These sugars are consumed by bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to tooth erosion. The acidity of packaged apple juice was discovered to be high, increasing the risk of tooth enamel damage.
May spike blood sugar levels
Apple juice has less fiber and more sugar than whole apples. Blood glucose levels can rise as a result of this.
Apple juice is low in vitamins and minerals
Fruit juices that have been fortified with vitamin C are popular. Furthermore, the recommended daily juice intake (240 mL) does not include all necessary vitamins and minerals. Apple polyphenols obtained from whole apples are superior to those obtained from apple juice. Whole apples are high in fiber, while apple juice is usually low in fiber.
When considering the above things under the topic of “How much apple juice should I drink a day?” you have to be very careful with consuming apple juice daily. So, think twice before drinking juices every day. It is very important for your health. Also, there are many health facts related to your well-being. So, stay with us to know more facts and consider following us on Facebook and Instagram.
