Apple juice is acidic in nature and also contains high amount of fructose sugar. Acidic and sugary conditions are favourable for causing tooth erosion and decay. Diluting apple juice with sparkling water decreases the overall acidity of the beverage. Apple juice mixed with sparkling water has an overall better nutritional profile than many commercially available sodas and fizzy drinks. Read on to know more about the nutrition facts & calories in sparkling cider.
Nutritional Facts & Calories in Sparkling Cider
Sparkling cider is a fizzy, non-alcoholic form of apple juice mostly used as a celebratory beverage instead of champagne. Although this bubbly beverage is free from fat, sodium and cholesterol, and also has certain nutritional benefits, sparkling cider is relatively high in its calorie content. A single ounce of sparkling cider contains about 140 calories. Sparkling cider also contains:
Antioxidants in Sparkling Cider
A moderate intake of apple juice is believed to provide the body with antioxidants which can slow down the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, caused due to LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. Other studies also indicate that the antioxidants in sparkling cider support healthy brain function.
Potassium in Sparkling Cider
Potassium is an important mineral for promoting proper digestion, cell function, and function of tissues, muscles and organs. Eating a diet containing potassium-rich foods balanced with moderate quantities of sodium can help in maintaining optimal water balance in the body. This in turn helps to support healthy blood pressure. An 8 oz serving of apple cider or sparkling cider contains around 120 mgs of potassium. For a 2,000 calorie per day diet, this amount makes up for 3% of the recommended daily potassium intake.
Riboflavin & Niacin in Sparkling Cider
Sparkling cider contains good quantities of the B vitamins, like niacin and riboflavin. Sparkling cider provides around 8% of the recommended daily value of these nutrients. Riboflavin present in sparkling cider helps the cells in energy production, improves eyesight and promotes good skin health. Niacin present in sparkling cider aids in maintaining normal digestion, appetite, enzyme function and nerve function. It also helps in keeping the skin healthy.
Carbohydrates in Sparkling Cider
An 8 oz serving of sparkling cider contains 35 g of carbohydrates including 31 g of sugar. Since carbohydrates transform into sugar in the body and produce energy, which is needed for proper functioning of the organs, this nutrient is a very essential part of a healthy diet. Fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains are the best sources of carbohydrates since they contain high amounts of fiber, which regulates the way the body processes sugar. However, sparkling cider may not be the best beverage for diabetics, and others who wish to moderate their blood sugar, since this beverage does not contain fiber which is required for regulating the absorption of sugar and keeping the blood sugar in check.
Conclusion
So you can see that fresh, natural or organic apple juice if used in the drink mix, you can avoid unhealthy artificial sweeteners, colourings and flavourings that are found in the sodas. Compared to sugared cola beverages, this home-made sparkling cider also contains fewer calories per ounce and thus is a healthier beverage option for you, which also delivers in taste.
