Vitamin C In Apple Juice Vs Orange Juice
When it comes to drinking fruit juices, most people tend to opt for either apple or orange juice. Both of these drinks are known for being delicious, refreshing, and packed full of essential nutrients. However, one of the main reasons that people drink juice is because they want to make sure that they are getting enough vitamin C in their diet. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the vitamin C content of apple juice and orange juice to help you decide which one is the better option for you.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining good health. It is important for the growth, development, and repair of all the tissues in your body, including your skin, bones, and muscles. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, which means that it helps to protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Vitamin C in Orange Juice
Orange juice is one of the best sources of vitamin C. A single cup of orange juice contains around 124 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than the recommended daily intake for adults. Vitamin C is naturally occurring in oranges, and so it is not added to orange juice during the manufacturing process.
Vitamin C in Apple Juice
Apple juice also contains vitamin C, but in much lower quantities than orange juice. A single cup of apple juice contains around 8 milligrams of vitamin C, which is only around 10% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Unlike oranges, apples do not naturally contain high levels of vitamin C, and so most apple juice manufacturers add vitamin C to their products during the manufacturing process.
Which is Better?
Based on the vitamin C content alone, it is clear that orange juice is the better choice if you want to boost your vitamin C intake. However, it is important to remember that both apple juice and orange juice are healthy drinks that offer a range of other benefits. For example, apple juice is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Orange juice is also a good source of potassium, folate, and thiamine, which are all essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
The Bottom Line
While orange juice is the clear winner when it comes to vitamin C content, both apple juice and orange juice are healthy drinks that can form part of a balanced diet. If you are looking to boost your vitamin C intake, then orange juice is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a drink that is rich in other nutrients, or if you simply prefer the taste of apple juice, then there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy a glass of apple juice from time to time.