Apple juice

Apple juice is familiar to everyone since childhood. This is probably one of the first products that a person tries in his life. The usefulness of such a drink is difficult to overestimate. Apple juice is widely used in medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases, as well as in cooking for preparing delicious dishes. In addition, it is often used for cosmetic purposes, and is also valued for its dietary properties. But there are still a lot of questions about its use. What is the benefit of concentrated apple juice? Is it possible to prepare it for the winter? From how many months is it allowed to give it to newborns? These and many other questions can be answered in this article.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

The calorie content of apple juice directly depends on the variety of apples from which it is made. For example, the sweeter the product, the more sugar it contains, and, accordingly, the calories. On average, the energy value of such a drink is about 46 kcal. The protein content in it is 0,5 g, carbohydrates – 10,1 g. The share of fats is only 0,1 g. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (BJU) is 16, 17 and 67%. Present in the juice and organic acids, the most popular of which are malic, citric and tartaric. It contains 88,1 g of water and 0,2 g of dietary fiber. It also contains a little ash (0,3 g) and alcohol (about 0,2 g).

This healthy drink is rich in B vitamins ranging from 0,0001 mg (folic acid) to 0,05 mg (vitamin B5). It also contains ascorbic acid (2 mg), a source of youth and beauty, vitamin E (0,1 mg), niacin (0,1 mg), and vitamin H (1 mcg).

As you can see, although the vitamin complex includes a variety of nutrients, their content is not too high. The main benefit of this drink is different. Apple juice has an excellent mineral composition, which includes a number of valuable and useful micro and macro elements. It is represented by potassium (120 mg), calcium (7 mg), magnesium (4 mg), sodium (6 mg), phosphorus (7 mg) and chlorine (0,3 mg). Of the trace elements, iron (1,4 mg), molybdenum (5 μg), copper in the amount of 59 μg and chromium, which is 3,9 μg, are released in it. In addition, this drink contains iodine, aluminum, rubidium, manganese and zinc in small amounts. ^[1].

Apple juice contains enzymes important for the body – enzymes that have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. They are actively involved in the processes of splitting and digestion of food. This product is a rich source of pectins, without which the normal functioning of the intestines and stomach is impossible. It contains a small amount of carotene and some essential oils, as well as tannins.

The health benefits of apple juice

The benefits of apple juice primarily lies in the enrichment of the human body with iron. In other words, it has the ability to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, so it is advised to use it for anemia, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding (HB). When lactating, the recommended amount of drink is one liter per day. ^[2]. And for pregnant women, apple juice is also useful because it has a diuretic effect and helps improve bowel function. This product is also indispensable for vitamin deficiency.

Apple juice is an excellent antioxidant. It is able to neutralize the destructive effect of free radicals, thereby protecting cells from aging and various damage. Thanks to these properties, it is able to improve brain function and is rightfully considered an effective tool in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. ^[3]. In addition, apple juice has a positive effect on the nervous system, helps fight depression and nervous disorders. It is often recommended for use in chronic fatigue syndrome and is used as a tasty and healthy stress reliever. In addition, its beneficial effect on brain cells can relieve diseases such as sclerosis. ^[4].

Scientists have proven that regular use of this product helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation in the body, thereby preventing thrombosis and atherosclerosis. It also has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, preventing the development of diseases such as heart attack or coronary heart disease. It’s all about the flavonoid epicatechin, which can slow down the aging process in the body. British scientists have found that the frequent use of apple juice by the elderly contributes to the rejuvenation of their body for at least 17 years. ^[5].

Apple juice has cleansing and restorative properties. It is able to remove accumulated radionuclides from the body and protects against radiation and other external factors. It is mandatory recommended to people who participated in the liquidation of the Chernobyl accident, as well as to persons whose work is related to various radiation.

This drink is valued for its anti-cold and antiviral properties. It has a beneficial effect on the immune system, is able to restore the body after serious illnesses, and also strengthens its natural defenses and helps to resist various ailments. This product is also useful for problems with the lungs.

Apple juice is also effective in diseases of the bladder, liver, and urolithiasis. All this is due to the fact that it contains the pectin necessary for the body. With its help, it is possible to normalize metabolic processes, lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation. A drink from green, sour varieties of apples is useful for diabetes and gastritis with low acidity.

Other health benefits of apple juice are as follows:

• able to prevent cancer;
• can be used as a laxative;
• lowers blood pressure.

Technological process, selection and storage of juice

A significant part of the apple juice that can be found on the shelves of supermarkets is produced industrially. For this, special equipment is used, such as a press for wringing. It can be of several types: hydraulic, screw or industrial (for the production of large volumes of products). Manufacturing technology includes pressing and pasteurization process. For storage, aseptic packaging of the product is used. Sometimes juice is obtained in the process of recovering it from concentrate. To make it transparent, it is necessary to ensure the settling of particles. Then the product is clarified and clarified or filtered. Juice can be clarified in several ways ^[6]:

• biochemical;
• physical and chemical;
• physical.

To date, a large number of this product is presented in various packaging: glass, plastic, bags or boxes. Each such product may vary in composition and method of preparation.

When choosing a product, you should pay attention to its content, organoleptic characteristics and date of manufacture. It is better to choose a product in a glass container – then it will be possible to judge it by its appearance. Such juice is stored for about two years, and in a tetrapack – 1 year. Cardboard packaging is the best protection from sunlight, which means that more vitamins and nutrients are stored there.

Application in folk medicine

Due to its beneficial properties, apple juice is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. For obesity, for example, it is recommended to use a mixture of apple, melon, tomato and lemon juices, and for gout, a drink from baked apples helps. Freshly squeezed juice is very effective in the liver cleansing procedure.

From foreclosure

To get rid of this problem, it is recommended to consume 200 ml of natural freshly squeezed apple juice before meals.

To dissolve stones

Apple juice can dissolve sand and stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, but such treatment should only take place with the consent of a doctor. Every day for three days you need to consume half a liter of fresh juice every two hours. The inclusion of other foods in the diet is not allowed. To avoid constipation, you can take infusions of herbs that help relax the intestines, or make an enema with warm water.

On the morning of the third day, half an hour after drinking the first glass of juice, you should also consume about 120 ml of olive oil. It can be washed down with a small amount of diluted apple juice. When weakness appears, it is recommended to lie down a bit. In the evening of the same day, you should take a hot bath without using soap. Usually, after such a procedure, stones and sand begin to come out.

How to prepare and drink apple juice

The best juice is made at home from natural ingredients, without synthetic colors and preservatives. For such a drink, you can take any apples, but it is desirable that they are juicy and not soft. It is good if there is a juicer at home, because then the preparation of juice will not take much time. But even if it doesn’t, it doesn’t matter. Making apple juice is not difficult without it. To do this, you can use the good old way: grate the apples and then squeeze the mass through a sieve or gauze. Such freshly prepared juice should be consumed within a few minutes after pressing. It is recommended to store the product tightly closed in the refrigerator for no more than a day.

Usually, freshly squeezed juices are not consumed at night, as they cause fermentation in the intestines. In addition, nutritionists advise diluting such a drink with water and drinking it through a straw so as not to damage tooth enamel with organic acids contained in it. ^[7].

Preparing canned juice for the winter

Making canned juice also does not take much time. Such a product can be obtained in two ways: using a juicer or a juicer. In any case, canning apple fresh is a labor-intensive and rather entertaining process.

The first way to prepare an apple drink for the winter is as follows. Using a juicer, you need to squeeze the juice and place it in an enamel bowl. Next, you need to bring it to a boil, constantly removing the resulting foam. You can add a few tablespoons of sugar if you like. If you need juice with pulp, it is recommended to roll it up at this stage; if without pulp, then first it must be carefully filtered through several layers of gauze, then heated again and then poured into jars.

In the second case, you just need to cook the apples cut into pieces in a juicer. They will heat up and begin to release liquid. The process should take place at high heat so that the juice does not have time to cool before we roll it into jars. We boil the apples until they are completely softened, and then we collect the juice and preserve.

Apple drink can also be cooked in a slow cooker, and it only takes five minutes. To do this, you need to wash the apples, peel them, cut them into cubes and pass through a juicer. Pour the resulting juice into the multicooker bowl. Cook in the “Soup” mode for five minutes. Then we pour the hot liquid into jars, cool it and thus prepare a delicious drink for the winter.

apple juice for babies

So at what age is it recommended to give such a drink to a baby? This is a traditional product, widely used as the first complementary foods for children under one year old. Previously, doctors allowed the introduction of juice into the diet even for a one-month-old baby, but now the principles of breastfeeding are gaining momentum. It is believed that up to six months the baby should not receive anything other than mother’s breast milk. Experts recommend taking your time and starting introducing complementary foods from the age of six months. ^[8].

Children’s apple juice can be found in stores in various variations, but it is best to make natural juice at home. To do this, rub the apple on a coarse grater and simply squeeze the juice with your hand or filter the mass through cheesecloth. You can beat it in a blender, especially if you use fruit in combination with carrots. From apple juice with pulp, you can make delicious applesauce for your baby.

If you still decide to stop at the store option, then in this case you need to make a choice in favor of the restored product. Since it is obtained by diluting apple concentrate, it retains many useful substances. While a direct-pressed drink is subject to heat treatment, during which most of the valuable components are lost.

Cooking application

Due to its taste, this product is widely used in cooking. There are many uses for apple juice. It is usually added to various mousses and jellies, sorbets, fruit drinks and kissels, as well as to all kinds of gravies and sauces. Jelly from such a drink is prepared both with and without gelatin. Apple drink is recommended to be mixed with various vegetable and fruit juices. Combinations of apple fresh with carrot or beetroot will be very useful. Celery also has considerable value, especially freshly squeezed juice from this plant, mixed with natural apple juice.

This drink is often used as a base for making cocktails. The most popular today are “Apple Whiskey” and “Apple Martini”. Very useful for health, especially during colds and cold weather, will be apple mulled wine, which can be prepared with or without alcohol. In summer, a juice cocktail with ice cream is very refreshing. And if you add a little fresh juice to tea, it will sparkle with new colors and win you over with its interesting taste.

At home, you can also prepare the famous apple tincture – Calvados. To do this, fresh must be put in a dark place for a day, then filtered through cheesecloth. Subsequent distillation of the product will turn it into pure apple moonshine. To obtain Calvados, you need to age the drink in oak barrels in order to preserve the tart woody taste and aroma. To do this, it is customary to dilute moonshine with water up to 45 degrees. In the absence of barrels, glass containers with wooden lids can be used. It is necessary to fill them with moonshine, close tightly and leave to infuse in a dark, cool place for at least six months. After that, the infused Calvados must be filtered through several layers of gauze and bottled for later storage.

The fermented product is often used to make strong spirits, cider, which is also called apple wine, kvass, and vinegar. Braga from apple juice is used for the production of homemade moonshine.

Lenten cake with apple juice

During the period of fasting, you often want sweets. In this case, you can cook a lean cupcake. For this you will need:

• sugar – 1 tbsp. l .;
• apple juice – 250 ml;
• olive oil – half a tablespoon;
• walnuts – 250 g;
• soda – half a teaspoon;
• flour – 2 tbsp. L.;
• apple – 1 pc.;
• apricot jam – 2 tbsp. l.;
• salt.

Roast the nuts in a dry frying pan, stirring often, then chop and add to the mixture of sugar, vegetable oil and salt. Pour soda into apple juice, and add the foaming liquid to the mixture. Send a finely chopped apple and sifted flour there. Pour the resulting dough into a mold and bake at a temperature of 180 degrees for 50 minutes. Lubricate the cake with warmed jam at the end of cooking.

How to get apple juice stains out

The fact is that stains from freshly squeezed apple juice are almost impossible to remove. In order to get rid of them, the soiled place must be washed immediately, as soon as it appears there. But there are ways to deal with old stains. Below are some of them:

• wash the contaminated area with the use of washing powder;
• resort to the help of laundry soap;
• use boiling water and vinegar to remove;
• soak in citric acid;
• apply a mixture of vodka and glycerin to the stain;
• moisten the stained area with a solution of water and ammonia;
• use Vanish all-purpose bleach.

Used in cosmetics

Apple juice is known to help improve skin condition:

• increases humidity;
• softens and soothes;
• refreshing;
• nourishes with vitamins and minerals.

Masks based on it, which are suitable for sensitive skin, help get rid of redness and improve complexion. If you wash your face daily with fresh apple juice mixed with glycerin in a ratio of 5: 1, you can achieve elasticity and firmness of the skin, protect it from penetrating winds and cold. This natural product can be a worthy replacement for various synthetic drugs.

Apple juice is often used to improve the condition of the hair as part of masks that promote hair growth and prevent excessive oiliness.

Mask for oily hair

Ingredients:

• Apple juice;
• egg yolk;
• starch.

Squeeze the juice from the apple, filter through cheesecloth, add the yolk and mix thoroughly. In order to get a thick consistency, you need starch. It is added to the mixture and beat so that there are no lumps. The resulting mask should be applied to clean hair and kept for about an hour. At the end of the procedure, rinse off with warm water.

Face mask based on apple juice

To prepare the mask, you will need the following components:

• honey – 1 tbsp. l .;
• half an apple;
• yolk – 1 pc.;
• vegetable oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
• lemon juice – 1 tsp

Mix apple juice with honey and other ingredients, bring to a homogeneous mass and apply on face for about half an hour. At the end of the procedure, rinse off with warm water, and then with cold.

apple juice for weight loss

Due to their cleansing properties and low calorie content, apples can be used for dietary purposes. Surely many have heard about such a wonderful way to lose weight as an apple diet. Apple juice has also proven itself well in this regard, although doctors do not recommend using it for this purpose due to its high glucose content. However, reviews of those who have lost weight often say otherwise. ^[9]. To throw off a few extra pounds, you can use various methods, for example, arrange a fasting day once a week or resort to a sparing diet.

In the first case, you need to consume about 1,5 liters of apple juice per day and the same amount of still mineral water. You can dilute the concentrate with it or drink the concentrated product and water alternately. However, it is important to know that freshly squeezed juice on an empty stomach should be used with caution, as it greatly irritates the mucous membrane, so nutritionists recommend diluting it.

In the second case, in the morning on an empty stomach, you need to drink 150 ml of apple juice half an hour before meals. Throughout the day, you should eat mostly protein foods and consume complex carbohydrates.

One way or another, apple fasting is good for the body, because the juice from this fruit cleanses it, kills harmful microorganisms and bacteria, and also helps to eliminate them.

By the way, it should be remembered that for weight loss it is best to use green apples of sour varieties, as they have a lower calorie content.

Contraindications and harm

Frequent consumption of apple juice in large quantities can provoke bloating and cause irritation of the gastric mucosa. In chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys, such as cholecystitis, hepatitis and others, as well as exacerbation of diseases of the stomach and intestines, drinking this juice is not recommended so as not to cause unwanted symptoms.

Apple juice is rich in glucose, and if you drink it excessively, it can increase appetite, which is undesirable for people who are overweight or obese.

You should always pay attention to the expiration date of the drink, otherwise an expired product can lead to unpleasant consequences and even cause food poisoning. If mold is noticeable when opening a canned product, such juice should not be eaten.

Conclusions

Apple juice is a valued and loved by all product. Its beneficial properties are widely used in folk medicine and cosmetology. It is indispensable in the culinary arts. This juice practically does not cause allergies, therefore it is used as the first food for babies, and is also used in various diets. Homemade canned apple juice is also very popular. The benefits of this drink in Alzheimer’s disease and rejuvenation of the body are invaluable. But with acute pancreatitis or gastritis, you can not use such juice. It should also be used with caution in overweight and diabetes mellitus. All in all, everything is good in moderation. And if you use apple juice in acceptable quantities, it will not bring harm to health.

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