One study observed that when healthy adults drank 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) of clear apple juice daily for 6 weeks, their LDL (bad) cholesterol was 20% more resistant to oxidation compared to the start of the study ( 11).Īdditionally, when healthy women drank 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) of clear apple juice, the antioxidant activity of their blood increased nearly 11% within 1 hour of drinking the juice, compared to a placebo drink ( 12). Higher levels of oxidized LDL are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke ( 10).

Polyphenols may prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from becoming oxidized and building up in your arteries. Plant compounds - including polyphenols - in apple juice may be particularly beneficial for heart health. Plant compounds called polyphenols, which may help protect your cells fromĭisease-promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. Organic varieties are more commonly available in the cloudy form. The majority of store-bought apple juice is clear in appearance, meaning you can easily see through it. One analysis found that cloudy apple juice had up to 62% more polyphenols than clear juice ( 7). Oxidative damage in their blood was suppressed within 30 minutes of drinking the juice, and this effect continued for up to 90 minutes ( 9).įor more polyphenols, opt for cloudy juice - which contains pulp - rather than clear, which has the pulp removed ( 7). In one study, healthy men drank a 2/3 cup (160 ml) of apple juice, then scientists drew their blood. Both of these processes are underlying factors in chronic conditions, including certain cancers and heart disease ( 8). These plant compounds may protect your cells from inflammation and oxidative damage. While the majority of these compounds are in the peel, some from the apple flesh are retained in the juice ( 7). To avoid sideĮffects, dilute to half-strength when using it to rehydrate after an illness.Īpples are rich in plant compounds, particularly polyphenols. Water and tastes good, making it a good choice for hydrating.

Though the amount of potassium in apple juice is similar to electrolyte drinks, it has little sodium, which is also lost via bodily fluids when you’re sick ( 1, 2, 3). In more severe cases of dehydration, medicinal electrolyte drinks are still advised. They’re also relatively expensive.ĭiluted apple juice is a practical and pleasant alternative for kids, as well as adults ( 4).īe sure to drink diluted juice to rehydrate, as the high sugar content of full-strength juice can draw excess water into your gut and worsen diarrhea - particularly during recovery from illness ( 5, 6). Though electrolyte drinks are specially formulated to rehydrate, some children don’t like the taste and won’t drink them. In a study of mildly dehydrated children with diarrhea and vomiting, those offered diluted apple juice were 6.5% less likely to need fluids delivered via their veins than those given a medicinal electrolyte drink ( 4). In fact, some pediatricians recommend half-strength apple juice - a mix of half juice, half water - for sick kids who are mildly dehydrated and at least one year old ( 2, 3). This makes it easy to consume - especially for those who are sick and at an increased risk of dehydration ( 1). Apple juice is 88% water and tastes good.

Tropicana apple juice nutrition label