“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
The health benefits of apple cider come from the phytochemicals contained in the fruit. Phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids have been proven to help fight disease. According to “Nutrition Journal” regular consumption of apples reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and some cancers. Apples are also high in antioxidants which help fight free radicals within the body. Free radicals are associated with cell damage that causes the effects of aging. The amount of antioxidants present varies between ciders. The type of apple used and the method of fermentation determines antioxidant content. Studies suggest that a pint of cider will contain at least the same number of antioxidants as a glass of red wine. Research done by the Institute of Food Research, published findings in the Journal of Nutrition stating that cider antioxidants are more rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream. Hard cider is also low in sodium and other minerals.
This is the standard nutritional value for a single apple. In general, it takes 2-3 apples to make a 12 oz. bottle of hard cider.
1 Medium Apple (138g)
Calories:……… 81 calories
Water:………. 115.8 grams
Carbohydrates: 21.1 grams
Protein:……….. 0.3 gram
Fat:……………. 0.5 gram
Dietary Fiber:…. 2.8 grams
Vitamin A:……. 74 International Units
Vitamin C:…….. 8 milligrams
Vitamin B1:……. 0.02 milligram
Vitamin B2:……. 0.02 milligram
Vitamin B6:……. 0.07 milligram
Folic acid:…….. 4 micrograms
Niacin:…………. 0.1 milligram
Pantothenic:….. 0.08 milligram
Sodium:……….. 1 milligram
Calcium:……… 10 milligrams
Magnesium:…… 6 milligrams
Zinc:…………… 0.05 milligram
Manganese:…… 0.06 milligram
Potassium:….. 159 milligrams
Phosphorus:….. 10 milligrams
Iron:…………… 0.25 milligram
Copper:……….. 0.06 milligram