Apple juice is a nutritious, delicious and refreshing beverage. But can it help relieve acid reflux or is it too acidic?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a one-cup serving (248 grams, g) of apple juice contains 219 g of water and the following nutrients:

• Carbohydrate – 28 g
• Energy – 114 kcal
• Protein – 0.24 g
• Sucrose – 3.12 g
• Vitamin C – 2.23 mg

Apple juice is full of vitamin C and provides 159 percent of the recommended daily intake.

Apple juice also provides your body with other vitamins, minerals and beneficial antioxidants. Apples are some of the healthiest fruits because they are cholesterol-free and are low in saturated fats and sodium.

Apple juice and acidity

Most fruit juices are acidic because they have a low pH. The pH level of a liquid determines if it is acidic or alkaline. The pH of apple juice may depend on the type of apple and the ripeness and freshness of the fruit.

The pH of apple juice varies from 3.35 to 4 pH. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity. Apple juice with a pH of 3 is more acidic than apple juice with a pH of 4.5.

The processing method also affects the pH of apple juice, while the acidity of the juice affects its taste. A less acidic juice will lack freshness while a very acidic juice will taste sharp.

Apples contain ascorbic acid and malic acid. These acidic juices can erode tooth enamel.

But according to a study, apple juice doesn’t erode tooth enamel because it has good amounts of phosphorus and fluoride. These minerals can help protect tooth enamel, but you still need to take some preventive measures while drinking acidic juices like apple juice.

3 Acids found in apple juice

According to a study, apple juice contains six acids, but only three of them are present in significant amounts.

Chlorogenic acid

Chlorogenic acid is an antioxidant naturally produced by plants. Findings from a study suggest that chlorogenic acid helps reduce weight and triglyceride levels.

Chlorogenic acid also reduces blood sugar spikes and reduces diabetes risk.

Malic acid

Malic acid is present in apple juice in larger quantities than other acids. Malic acid is also the one with the most benefits.

According to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, apple juice consists of sugars, nonvolatile acids and phenolics.

• The sugars include glucose, fructose, sorbitol and sucrose.
• The acids include citric, fumaric, malic, quinic and shikimic acid.
• The phenolics include chlorogenic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).

Quinic acid

Research suggests that quinic acid can help increase the levels of nicotinamide and tryptophan in healthy individuals.

Tryptophan is converted into serotonin, an important hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles and moods, thanks to its soothing effect on the brain. Nicotinamide helps your body produce the enzymes that metabolize carbs, fats and protein.

Health benefits of malic acid in apple juice

Detailed below are three potential benefits of malic acid in apple juice.

It helps reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia

One study suggests that malic acid can help reduce muscle pain and soreness in people with fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

When used with magnesium, malic acid can help reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia. The acid can also relieve exhaustion caused by chronic fatigue syndrome.

It helps treat kidney stones

According to research, malic acid can be used to treat calcium kidney stones.

It can give you an energy boost

Malic acid is an essential element for synthesizing energy. It can help increase energy in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

According to a study, malic acid also helps the body make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) more efficiently. ATP is the primary carrier of energy in cells.

Malic acid also increases tolerance to exercise in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Things to consider before drinking apple juice

Apple juice is a nutritious beverage, but drinking large amounts may cause some side effects.

Acid reflux

If you have acid reflux, you may need to avoid apple juice because drinking acidic juices can worsen acid reflux.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. Some symptoms of acid reflux include belching, coughing, hoarseness, nausea, regurgitation and sore throat.

Dental erosion

Dental erosion can damage the structure of your teeth. Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or sweets is an indication of erosion.

The acidic level, type of acid and exposure time in your mouth determine the erosive intensity of fruit juices.

Drinking apple juice or any fruit juice may cause dental erosion since the beverage has a low pH. Apple juice can soften tooth enamel until your saliva balances acid-base levels in the mouth.

Remember that consuming apple juice regularly increases dental erosion. To prevent erosion, always drink apple juice with a straw.

Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after drinking apple juice to avoid erosion.

Gastrointestinal problems

Apples contain malic acid, which, while generally considered safe, can also cause a few side effects.

Malic acid may cause gastrointestinal problems like bloating or cramping. To prevent these adverse effects, consume enough liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Spike in blood sugar levels

Apple juice contains less fiber and more sugar than whole apples, which means drinking apple juice can result in a spike in your blood glucose levels.

According to research, apple juice and protein-rich foods may reduce your blood glucose levels better than apple juice alone.

Weight gain

Compared to whole apples, you consume apple juice faster. This may cause a high intake of calories in a short span of time.

Findings from a study suggest that the consumption of whole fruits induces satiety better than drinking fruit juice.  Fruit juice is also less filling compared to the whole fruit.

Additionally, fruit juices that come in carton boxes contain excess sugars. The intake of sugar-containing beverages has been linked to weight gain among children younger than 12.

Apple juice is a nutritious beverage, but it’s also an acidic drink. Consume apple juice in moderation to boost your overall health and prevent kidney stones.

Sources:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

StyleCraze.com