We all know about how ‘an apple a day’ can ‘keep the doctor away’. It seems that cider may also offer consumers health benefits, say researchers from Glasgow, Scotland. English cider apples have particularly high levels of phenolic antioxidants. Phenolic antioxidants are closely associated with cancer and stroke protection.
A further study is underway to see how humans absorb phenolics from cider. It is being partly funded by the National Association of Cider Makers (UK) – the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council being the other funder.
The trial will involve 12 participants who have to drink a pint of cider each. They have to make sure these volunteers do not consume these antioxidants from other food sources. Urine and blood samples will be taken and analysed.
So far, the researchers have found that apples and cider vary in their levels of phenolics. This depends on two factors: 1. The type of apples used. 2. The production methods used.
What is Cider?
It is an alcoholic drink made from apples which are first crushed and then fermented. In the USA and some some parts of Canada it is known as ‘hard cider’ – in those parts, the term ‘cider’ can often mean non-alcoholic apple juice. In the rest of the English-speaking world ‘cider’ refers only to the alcoholic drink.
Cider usually has an alcoholic content of 5% or more. It is generally stronger than beer. The British are the greatest cider drinkers in the world. In the UK it is available in many forms, such as sweet, medium or dry.
According to the National Association of Cider Makers, cider is Prince William’s favourite drink.
— National Association of Cider Makers
— Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today