Apple Juice vs. Whole Apples: Which Is the Better Choice for Your Health?
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a famous quote that comes to mind when talking about apples. However, the quote fails to mention whether to eat apples as a whole or drink the tasty apple juice while still earning the same amount of nutrients. What do you think? Which apple juice vs. apple is the better healthy choice?
While contemplating the healthy old question, let us help you with this guide about the advantages of apple juice and whole apples, their similarities and differences, and insights into incorporating either of them into your routine food planning. But first, Let's start with the basics!
Apple Juice Vs. Apple: Why They Aren't The Same Thing
When contemplating between the two, the first thought is that they are essentially the same thing. Apples are round, edible fruits from the apple tree, and you can find them anywhere today. They are bursting with nutritional prowess, such as vitamins and minerals your body needs for various functions. Apple juice is the squeezed liquid from these fruits.
Yes, you can juice the apples to create delicious apple juice that we adore. However, it can sometimes be different. The homemade variety of apple juice might retain its nutritional value, but store-bought apple juice might contain sugars and added preservatives, often stripping away its original nutritional value.
To further illustrate why they aren't the same, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but an apple juice a day might keep your fibres at bay." These red fruits are one of the best sources of digestive fibre, but juicing them removes the fibre content, thus leading to less fibre intake.
Apple juice is not all bad. There are advantages to apple juice as well. Scroll down to find out:
Apple Juice Vs. Apple: Apple Juice Benefits & Advantages
Keeps You Hydrated
When comparing, apple juice has one advantage: It supports hydration while tasting good. Freshly squeezed apple juice provides significantly higher water content than the whole apple, making it a good choice if you're looking for instant hydration and replenishing body fluids, especially on a hot day and after a heavy workout session.
Another advantage of instant hydration from apple juice is that it is also helpful for kids and adults in preventing the risk of dehydration when sick. One study recommends using apple juice as an electrolyte for instant rehydration, serving as an inexpensive electrolyte drink.
The trade-off here is that apple juice lacks the fibre content that the fruit is abundant in. The absence or lack of fibre can spike blood sugar, which you can easily cover by incorporating other juices while meal planning, such as orange juice with thick pulp, to obtain your fibre.
It's Convenient
The unforgettable benefit of apple juice is its convenience in our busy daily lives. The upper hand here is that whether you're squishing them freshly or store-bought, both provide a quick and easy way to gain the fruit's nutrients without the need to slice, peel, and chew—a perfect option for those in the lazy phase of their life.
Apple juice is versatile enough to be added to smoothies or sprinkled over salads and simple enough to offer a refreshing drink on a hot summer morning. It is also an excellent option for mothers and their kids who are adjusting to having less time or patience to eat a whole apple but still reap the benefits of apple juice.
The cost is that the whole apple, due to its fibre content, helps you feel full quicker and longer than the juice. However, if you're not drinking it mindfully, it can often result in weight gain. The best option when meal planning is to incorporate other whole fruits with apple juice to balance the convenience with essential fibres needed for healthy digestion.
Nutrients Offerings
While apple juice provides a lesser nutritional value than the whole apple, it still offers various nutrients and plant-based compounds necessary for multiple bodily functions. Some nutritional benefits of apple juice include good dosages of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants in the whole apple.
On the other hand, apples have the advantage of digestive fibres, a high Vitamin C content, and a good range of antioxidants like polyphenols. These nutrients are crucial in digestive health, maintaining blood sugar levels, and keeping you full longer.
Gives A Quick Energy Boost
Another excellent advantage of apple juice is a quick energy boost due to its glucose and fructose content. These natural sugars are absorbed quickly into the body, providing an instant boost of energy. These advantages of apple juice benefit athletes or anyone seeking healthy options for a quick energy boost in the middle of the day without much trouble. However, it is essential to stay mindful of the intake to avoid spikes in sugar levels.
Due to its fibre content, the whole apple absorbs the sugar more gradually into the body. It benefits those on a weight loss journey seeking to add some natural sugar to their diet.
Side Effects
We talked briefly about the advantages of apple juice over apples. Now, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects the two of them bring with each other.
Apple Juice
Heavy consumption can rapidly spike blood sugar levels since apple juice lacks digestive fibre and is high in sugar. This side effect is a concern of individuals with diabetes and those who regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. Secondly, juicing the apple can lead to loss of essential nutrients, as the store-bought variety of apple juice also comes with added preservatives and sugar.
The other two side effects of apple juice are that it is calorie-dense and that the added sugar can lead to weight gain and cause dental problems. It is important to plan your meals and mindfully monitor your apple juice consumption to avoid overdoing it.
Whole Apple
Certain side effects of eating whole apples are also present. For example, some people can suffer from digestive discomfort, leading to bloating and gas. Some individuals are also sensitive to fibres. Moreover, eating whole apples can expose you to harmful pesticides sprayed on the fruit during cultivation.
Always wash apples before eating them wholly to mitigate the risk. This is a rare occurrence, but studies show some people are allergic to apple compounds.
Apple Juice Vs. Apple: Effectively Incorporate Them With Meal Plans
Meal planning is possible when comparing apple juice vs. apple, as both offer versatile culinary options and unique roles depending on your goals. Use apple juice as a post-workout snack or morning breakfast smoothie for a quick energy boost. At VMeals, we always recommend going for fresh apple juice and those free from sugar and added preservatives to keep your meals clean.
So, if you want to add apple juice to your daily meals, we also offer keto meal plans in Dubai and weight loss meal plans in Dubai. We simplify meal planning with your favourite foods while providing home-cooked meals to your doorstep within a few clicks.
Similarly, we provide gluten-free meal plans in Dubai to help you incorporate whole apples. Eating whole apples offers more sustained energy and fullness. Regardless of your diet and meal plans, we provide a balanced meal plan tailored to support your lifestyle while giving you the variety of nutrients you need.
Consider our meal planning services to incorporate varieties of apples and apple juice correctly while gaining maximum benefits.
FAQs
Is juicing an apple the same as eating it?
No, the fibre in whole apples is lost when they are juiced. Although they both include vitamins and antioxidants, whole apples give longer-lasting energy and improved digestion than apple juice.
Is apple juice good for your stomach?
Apple juice offers nutrition and hydration while being easy on the stomach. But if ingested in excess, its higher sugar content and lack of fibre could cause digestive problems.
Which apple is best for the skin?
Red apples, such as Fuji and Honeycrisp, are high in antioxidants like vitamin C and quercetin, which help to maintain healthy skin by fighting free radicals and boosting collagen formation.
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