Is Apple Juice Toxic?

Although most parents are aware of how much added sugar goes into a juice box, few ditch the store-bought stuff and take the time to make fresh juice at home. However, some studies reveal that many brands of apple juice – one of the most popular juices in North America – contain high levels of a harmful substance called arsenic.

Diluted apple juice is a practical and pleasant alternative for kids, as well as adults (4). Be 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).

The Food and Drug Administration, trying to reassure consumers about the safety of apple juice, claimed that most arsenic in juices and other foods is of the organic type that is “essentially harmless.” But an investigation by Consumer Reports shows otherwise.

Apple seeds, however, contain a plant compound called amygdalin, which can have a toxic effect. Amygdalin is a part of the seeds’ chemical defenses. It is harmless when a seed is intact, but when a

What are the compounds in apples?

Apples are rich in plant compounds, particularly polyphenols. While the majority of these compounds are in the peel, some from the apple flesh are retained in the juice ( 7. Trusted Source. ). These plant compounds may protect your cells from inflammation and oxidative damage.

Trusted Source. ). 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. Trusted Source.

Polyphenols may prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from becoming oxidized and building up in your arteries. Higher levels of oxidized LDL are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke ( 10. Trusted Source.

Whole apples are an extremely healthy food, but apple juice has pros and cons. When apples are juiced, their hydrating quality is maximized, and some plant compounds are retained. However, juicing reduces other benefits of whole apples, including fiber and the ability to satisfy hunger. Here are 4 benefits and 5 downsides of drinking apple juice.

High in sugar — low in fiber. Choose 100% juice varieties rather than drinks that are a blend of apple juice, added sugar, and water. Still, virtually all of the calories in 100% apple juice come from carbs — mostly from fructose and glucose, two naturally-occurring sugars ( 1. Trusted Source.

Summary Animal studies observe that apple juice may help protect memory and other aspects of brain health in aging.

Trusted Source. ). One analysis found that cloudy apple juice had up to 62% more poly phenols than clear juice ( 7.

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic can be found in a variety of different areas of our environment, such as food and soil. These toxins are generally naturally occurring and can influence the food that we eat in various ways. The most recognized form of arsenic is the inorganic type, which is extremely harmful to the human body.

Organic arsenic is found in soil, which is used to grow a variety of different fruits and vegetables. As such, there may be traces of toxins, such as arsenic, in fruit and vegetable juices. Until 1970, countries would use pesticides filled with arsenic.

Although organic arsenic is generally harmless, according to the FDA there have been a variety of instances where individuals have acquired cancer from the over consumption of this particular chemical due to DMA (dimethylarsinic acid) and MMA (monomethylarsonic acid).

As previously mentioned, there are two forms of arsenic: inorganic and organic. Although the consumption of organic arsenic is essentially harmless, inorganic arsenic can be detrimental to one’s health and may even cause cancer.

The FDA has set a new level of standards for juice manufacturers in terms of the amount of toxins like arsenic that are present in juice from concentrate and natural juices. Any apple juice that is found to have more than 10 parts per billion will be removed from the shelves.

Organic arsenic is found in a variety of different parts of the environment, such as soil and water. With that being said, the FDA is currently working on limiting the amount of arsenic and other toxins that are found in other food substances. One of the most important foods that the FDA is working on is rice.

How long does apple cider vinegar last?

One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per day for 12 weeks led to reductions in triglycerides and improvements in the lipid profile of the individuals. A January 2018 article in ​ Scientific Reports ​ involved testing apple cider vinegar on test-tube cultures of pathogenic bacteria.

Such food-borne illnesses may manifest in diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. The immune system of most people protects them from becoming ill when exposed to these pathogens, but people with compromised immunity are at risk.

Drinking too much apple juice can cause gas. Image Credit: gerenme/iStock/GettyImages. Drinking too much apple juice can cause diarrhea and gas. Because of the high sugar content, it may also lead to poor blood sugar regulation and weight gain. With these drawbacks in mind, eating whole apples is a healthier choice than downing a glass …

Apple Juice Causes Diarrhea. The natural sugars in food can loosen stools and cause diarrhea when too much is consumed, says Harvard Health Publishing. One of the primary sugars that produces the problem is fructose, which is present in apple juice. In fact, three out of every four people who consume more than 40 to 80 grams …

Apple Juice and Blood Sugar. West Texas A&M University explains that any kind of juice, including apple juice, can have an adverse effect on blood sugar. When you eat a whole apple, the fiber in the pulp and skin binds to the fruit’s natural sugars as it goes through the gastrointestinal tract.

Because studies on vinegar’s effects on weight loss are inconsistent, the Mayo Clinic says it’s unlikely to be effective for this purpose.

Avoid juice cocktails and opt for beverages labeled “100% Juice,” advises the American Institut e for Cancer Research . Although apple juice cocktails contain some apple juice, they also have empty calories from added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Artificially-sweetened apple juice is also a poor choice, as diet drinks stimulate cravings for sweet foods and beverages, an effect that leads to weight gain.