Apple juice is a cult favorite among children, and adults claim it to be a dream elixir as well. Apple juice dreams seem like nonsense at first, but many people stand by this myth.
There is currently no research that proves apple juice leads to strange dreams. But this does not mean that the beverage does not influence our bodies in other aspects, such as health. But first, let’s see what is included in this beverage. We will also see how it influences health.
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What is added to Apple Juice?
Everyone knows the saying that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The reason is because they are packed with nutrients. These nutrients deliver plenty of health benefits to the body. However, since most people drink apple juice, some of the health benefits are decreased because juice does not include the fruit’s skin and flesh. Since all fruits contain fiber, it improves diabetes.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of drinking apple juice:
Pros:
- Apple juice is reported to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) so that it does not accumulate in the arteries. This is how more blood is pumped to and from the heart.
- The juice of apples includes 88% water, which makes it easy for everyone to drink it. This is exactly why so many hospitals offer this beverage to patients after operations and medical procedures. The juice does not burden the stomach, aids in digestion, and does not lead to nausea.
- If some apple flesh is retained in the blending process, then the plant compounds included in the flesh might shield cells from oxidation and inflammation damage.
Cons:
- People who buy apple juice from stores rather than blending apples at home are at risk of consuming an unhealthy percentage of sugar. The excess sugar in these juices is added by all brands. This is terrible for blood sugar and weight gain. If you don’t want to compromise your health, pick the brands that sell 100% pure apple juice. Moreover, incorporate healthy fats and protein with your apple juice. This will have no influence on your blood sugar.
- There are many apple juice enthusiasts in the world. People consume it whenever they are thirsty and also because it tastes good. But what they don’t realize is that it results in more calories. As opposed to milk, the beverage will never fulfill your hunger cravings.
- Not only do conventional brands add an unhealthy amount of sugar to the juice, but it is also devoid of minerals and vitamins. As a matter of fact, they refine the beverage so much in factories that only 10% of the nutrients are present. If your priority is to gain maximum nutrients, search for a beverage fortified with vitamin C.
If these disadvantages are too much for you, simply eat a raw apple.
What Initiated the Apple Juice Dreams Theory?
You will see many people talking about apple juice dreams on different online platforms. A simple Google search will make you surprise by how many chat rooms believe in this phenomenon. Some people said that they experienced lucid dreams, while others claimed they had nightmares. This begs the question of whether the beverage results in weird dreams. And if yes, would other apple beverages, such as apple cider vinegar, also have a similar influence on the brain?
This claim was first introduced in research conducted in 2006. This study revolved around brain function and apple beverages. The research was performed on lab mice. It concluded that the beverage boosts memory by causing an increase in a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine.
This is a chemical that sends messages to other nerve cells. In simple words, acetylcholine is critical for brain health and memory. An increase in acetylcholine is proven to decrease the mental decline in Alzheimer’s disease. But the 2006 study didn’t mention any dreaming. So how did people make up the apple juice dreams theory?
The reason is that acetylcholine is crucial for REM sleep and alert wakefulness. REM sleep refers to the stage of sleep where most people have powerful dreams. Science has found that the REM stage is only possible with high amounts of acetylcholine.
The connection between Alzheimer’s disease and a lack of acetylcholine has proven that the neurotransmitter is important for sleeping and REM dreams. But we are still confused about the deeper link.
The Ideal Time to Consume Apple Juice
Manufactured or fresh apples should be consumed during the daytime. Ideally, one should consume it on an empty stomach prior to breakfast. Since our body is fasting while sleeping, it absorbs nutrients faster on an empty stomach.
In order to prevent insulin and blood sugar levels from rising after consuming this beverage, include a healthy source of protein and fats. Some ideas include vocado, nut butter, and eggs. And to make it more healthy, eat raw fruit. You will take advantage of all the nutrients and fiber in the fruit’s skin.
Another suitable time to consume this beverage is prior to and after working out. The juice will boost your energy, which will make the person go all-in on the exercise. Due to the high percentage of sugar in the beverage, it’s not recommended to consume it at night. You will have difficulty sleeping.
FAQs
Is it better to consume apple juice or apple cider?
Apple cider is a tangy drink with a cloudy appearance. It boasts more enzymes and nutrients because of its unpasteurized, raw form. Since it’s a reminder of apple pulp, the fiber percentage is high, while sugar is low.
But apple juice is sweet, filtered, and pasteurized, which makes it lose nutrients. Sweeteners and sugars are added to almost all apple juices, but you can find pure beverages too.
How much apple juice should I drink?
It’s suggested to consume pure, unsweetened apple juice for maximum nutrients. Impure juice also includes allergic additives.
Apple Juice Dreams: Fact or Fiction?
The apple juice dreams claim seems to be a mysterious assertion simply because there is a sheer lack of scientific evidence. The people who believe this to be true are under a placebo effect.
