If you wondered what the British Prince William eats for breakfast, the answer is much simpler than what one might expect from royalty. According to publications on the British royal family's YouTube channel, William starts the day with two eggs, whole wheat toast with a little butter, a cup of tea – and a glass of apple juice.
Despite the simplicity, this drink is drawing interest among nutrition experts due to its potential health benefits.
How might apple juice help the heart?
Apples contain plant compounds called polyphenols, which have been studied in recent years in the context of cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that polyphenols may help reduce the damage that LDL cholesterol ("the bad cholesterol") causes to the arteries.
High levels of LDL are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. One of the problems is that high cholesterol causes almost no symptoms, and therefore it is sometimes called "the silent killer."
In one study, it was found that healthy adults who drank about 375 ml of apple juice daily for six weeks showed higher resistance of LDL particles to oxidation processes, which are considered a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Additional studies found an increase in antioxidant levels in the blood after consuming apple juice.
Not only for the heart
Apple juice has additional benefits:
Helps maintain fluid balance in the body, as apples contain about 88% water.
Provides antioxidants that help protect against oxidative damage.
May contribute to brain health and reduce the risk of age–related degenerative processes.
Supports digestive system activity.
Contains malic acid, which may assist natural cleansing processes in the liver.
Despite the benefits, nutrition experts emphasize that eating a whole apple is generally preferable to drinking juice. The juicing process reduces some of the dietary fiber and concentrates the natural sugars in the fruit. In addition, frequent consumption of fruit juices might increase the risk of tooth decay. The sugars and acids in the juice come into contact with the teeth and can damage the enamel over time.
In conclusion, a glass of apple juice as part of a balanced breakfast can certainly fit into a healthy menu, just as Prince William does. However, experts remind that a whole apple will generally provide more dietary fiber and health benefits than the juice itself.