A recent news blitz about how apple juice contains antioxidants which might reduce heart disease is a choice example of scientists over-interpreting their experimental results.
The April 16, 1999 issue of the research journal Life Sciences contains an article in which scientists from the University of California, Davis describe experiments in which apple juice and other apple products were added to LDL, the particles that carry the "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
There were reductions in oxidation of 9% to 34% when a chemical was added to speed up the process. How much, or if, this might reduce the risk of heart disease is completely unknown.
Although oxidation of cholesterol and other molecules in the body are associated with health problems, this test tube study only points to additional research that should be done. If you wanted to get the same health benefits as described in this study, you would have to inject your apple juice intravenously rather than drinking it.
There is nothing wrong with apple juice as a food; but if it represents a big proportion of calories (as it does for some children) it is not a healthy choice. You shouldn’t drink apple juice or anything else just for the antioxidants. Whole apples are a good source of fiber and provide fewer calories than a big glass of juice.
Fruit Juice
