ABC Juice (Apple, Beetroot & Carrot): What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects & More

Introduction

Nowadays, detox drinks and natural juices are becoming popular, as they offer a simple and natural way to support daily health. Many people include them in their daily routine, especially when busy schedules make it difficult to eat a balanced meal. One such drink is ABC juice, made with apple, beetroot, and carrot.

Apple, beetroot, and carrot juices each offer distinct health benefits, such as supporting immunity, digestion, detoxification, and skin health¹. Therefore, consuming ABC juice, which combines all three, may help provide these combined benefits. This juice is commonly consumed in the morning, usually on an empty stomach, as it is easy to prepare and helps to start the day in a healthy way.

In this article, we will discuss ABC juice in detail, including its nutritional profile, health benefits, and how to prepare it.

What is ABC Juice?

ABC juice is a healthy beverage made by blending or juicing three ingredients: apple, beetroot, and carrot. Its name, ABC, comes from the first letter of each fruit. This juice is known to have good nutritional benefits, as its contents (fruits) are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibre^1,2.

Apple juice adds natural sweetness and provides vitamins and polyphenols, beetroot juice is rich in nitrates, dietary fibre and antioxidants, and carrot juice is a good source of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene^1,2. When combined, these ingredients form a nutrient-dense drink commonly consumed as a morning health or detox juice to support overall wellness.

Nutritional Profile of ABC Juice

The nutritional profile of apple, beetroot, and carrot juices is as follows. The ABC juice prepared by combining the right quantities of these juices might contain all the nutrients given below.

Nutritional Profile of Apple, Beetroot and Carrot Juices per 100 g^3,6

Note: As ABC juice is prepared by blending these three juices, there might be slight variations in the nutrient profile of the ABC juice, based on the quantities of juices you take to add. 

• Calories: The ABC juice, made by combining energy-rich juices, may be relatively high in calories, and can provide a quick energy boost.
• Carbohydrates: The primary source of energy in ABC juice is carbohydrates, as it is prepared from carbohydrate-rich juices.
• Natural Sugar: ABC juice is naturally rich in sugar as it contains apple juice, therefore, it does not need added sweeteners for taste.
• Dietary Fibre: ABC juice can be fibre-rich if prepared without straining as the beetroot in it is high in dietary fibre. The fibre might help reduce blood sugar spikes after a meal.
• Note: Strained ABC juice might not contain fibre and will not have the same benefits.
• Vitamins: ABC juice is rich in vitamins, as apple juice is high in vitamin C and carrot juice is high in carotenoids².
• Polyphenols: ABC juice is rich in polyphenols, as it contains beetroot juice, which is a good source of polyphenols¹.
• Antioxidants: ABC juice is rich in antioxidants because the fruits and vegetables used to prepare it contain antioxidants, especially apple juice, which provides flavonoids and phenolic compounds².
• Minerals: ABC juice can be a good source of minerals, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, as the fruits and vegetables used to make it are known to have a good quantity of these minerals^3,5,6.

Health Benefits of ABC Juice

Combining the different health benefits of apple, beetroot, and carrot juices may offer a holistic approach to health. Following are some ABC juice benefits that you can count on.

1. Helps Boost Immunity

Carrot and beetroots are known to support immune function, which can help protect the body against several infections caused by microbes, such as viruses and bacteria^1,7.

2. Supports Digestion

Apple, beetroot, and carrot juices are rich in fibre^1,2, which is known to reduce bowel irritation, manage gut issues and reduce problems related to indigestion⁸. Drinking ABC juice might help you manage your gut issues and help improve digestion.

3. Helps Improve Skin Health

Beetroot and carrot juices are known to help improve skin health^1,9. Beetroot juice is also known to help manage skin diseases¹.

4. Supports Heart Health

Beetroot juice is known to improve blood flow and support heart health, as it is rich in nitrates^2,7. Apple juice may help reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease¹, while carrot juice might help protect the heart by improving antioxidant levels and reducing oxidative damage to fats, without causing any risk of cardiovascular diseases¹⁰.

5. Helps Enhance Energy Levels

Apple, beetroot, and carrot juices are naturally high in calories and sugars^3,5,6. Therefore, moderate consumption of ABC juice may provide you with energy without the need for added sugars.

6. Supports Detoxification

Carrot juice is believed to help clean toxins from the liver and improve the digestive tract’s health due to its carotenoid content, which has antioxidant properties¹. Similarly, beetroot is known to help detoxify the liver and manage digestive health⁷.

7. Supports Eye Health

Carrot juice, is high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This helps support normal vision and overall eye health^1,9.

8. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Apple juice might help reduce blood glucose level by reducing appetite due to its fibre content. It is also said to reduce the occurrence of diabetes. Beetroot juice might also help in managing type 2 diabetes^1,11.

9. Helps Manage Blood Pressure (BP)

Beetroot juice may help support BP management, while carrot juice may assist in lowering systolic BP due to its high potassium content^1,10.

Note: While ABC juice has so many health benefits, it is important to consider its side effects as well. If you are on high BP, high blood sugar, or heart medicines, you should consult your doctor before you start taking ABC juice. Also, don’t forget that moderation is key. More research is essential to confirm the benefits of ABC juice in humans

How to Prepare ABC Juice at Home and Tips?

Apples, beetroots and carrots are easily available in the store. Here is how to make ABC juice at home.

• Wash the fruit and veggies thoroughly: Wash one apple, one beetroot and one carrot thoroughly using running water to remove dirt and other residue.
• Peel and Chop: Peel the beetroot, and carrot. Now chop all three items into medium pieces.
• Blend: Blend the chopped ingredients separately to obtain a fine paste.
• Strain: Mix the pastes, add enough water (preferably 100 ml), and then strain to obtain residue-free juice¹². You may also consume the juice without straining to retain its fibre content.
• Serve immediately: Pour the juice into a glass and consume fresh.

Tips for Best Results

Following are some simple tips you may follow to improve the results of ABC juice.

• Drink fresh for maximum nutrition and antioxidant benefits.
• Avoid adding sugar or other sweeteners.
• Start with small quantities if you are new to ABC juice, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Consume in the morning, on an empty stomach, for better absorption.
• Do not store for long periods nutrients may degrade over time.
• People with medical conditions (such as kidney stones, diabetes, or low BP) should consult a doctor before consuming ABC juice regularly.

Best Time and Ways to Consume ABC Juice

The uses of ABC juice include:

• As a Morning Detox Drink: May help cleanse the body and support liver and digestive health^1,7.
• As a Mid-Morning Energy Booster: Provides natural sugar, vitamins and minerals. These might reduce fatigue.
• As a Post-Workout Replenishment: May help replenish fluids, antioxidants, and nutrients lost during exercise.
• As a Healthy Drink Choice: Can be consumed instead of sugary beverages and cold drinks. Might also reduce appetite and sudden cravings¹¹.
• As Part of a Balanced Meal: Might work better when combined with a nutritious diet than when taken as a single meal.

Side Effects of ABC Juice

Although ABC juice may offer several benefits, it can also have side effects. Here are some ABC juice side effects:

• Blood Sugar Spike: The ABC juice ingredients are high in natural sugars^3,6. Hence, overconsumption may cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes.
• Pink or Reddish Urine and Stool: The beetroot included in ABC juice has deep red pigments. Overconsumption of the juice might contribute to discolouration, causing pink or red-coloured urine (beeturia) and stool¹³.
• Digestive Discomfort: ABC juice is known to be rich in fibre^1,2, which can lead to gas, bloating or stomach cramps if consumed in high amounts.
• Drop in BP: Beetroots and carrots used in ABC juice are known for their potential in reducing high BP^1,10. Therefore, moderate consumption is essential to avoid a sudden drop in BP.
• Kidney Stone Risk (In Susceptible Individuals): The beetroot juice in ABC juice is found to be high in oxalates. Hence, people who are prone to oxalate stones are at risk of kidney stone formation if they take it in large amounts⁷.
• Vitamin A Overload: Carrot, an ingredient in ABC juice, is known for its high carotenoid content¹. The overconsumption of ABC juice might cause carotenemia, causing yellow pigmentation of the skin¹⁴.
• Allergic Reactions: The ingredients included in ABC juice might cause allergies in some individuals. Allergic reactions associated with beetroot juice include rashes, fever, chills, and burning or itching sensations⁷.

Conclusion

ABC juice is an easy-to-make drink, which might be beneficial for overall health. It may have several nutritional benefits, as it is made with nutrient-rich ingredients. Moderate and balanced consumption of ABC juice may give you the best results while reducing the risks of side effects.

Also Read: Avocado Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Dumbrava DG, Moldovan C, Raba DN, Popa MV, Misca CD, Radoi B, et al. Antioxidant Properties Evaluation of Some Red Beet-Based Fresh Juices. Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies [Internet]. 2022(3):243–7. Available from: https://journal-of-agroalimentary.ro/admin/articole/98076L37_Delia-Dumbrava_28-3-_2022_243-247.pdf
2. Rossi I, Mignogna C, Rio DD, Mena P. Health Effects of 100% Fruit and Vegetable juices: Evidence from Human Subject Intervention Studies. Nutrition Research Reviews [Internet]. 2023 Sep 1;37(1):1–45. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/health-effects-of-100-fruit-and-vegetable-juices-evidence-from-human-intervention-studies/F2E7246B748741828885E76AA42A774B
3. Apple Juice [Internet]. US Department of Agriculture. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/2316438/nutrients
4. Apple Juice [Internet]. US Department of Agriculture; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/1919077/nutrients
5. Beetroot Juice, Beetroot [Internet]. US Department of Agriculture; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/1034601/nutrients
6. Carrot Juice, Carrot [Internet]. US Department of Agriculture; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/2486582/nutrients
7. Maheshwari R, Parmar V, Joseph L. Latent Therapeutic Gains of Beetroot Juice [Internet]. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research; 2013. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/137274555310%20WJPR%20406.pdf
8. Fiber [Internet]. The Nutrition Source: Harvard d. 2012. Available from: https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/fiber/
9. Shakeel A, Khuram Vazim Aslam H, Shoaib M, Arbab Sikandar H, Ramzan R. Effect of Various Hydrocolloids on Cloud Stability and Nutrition of Carrot Juice. Agriculture and Food Sciences [Internet]. 2014 Feb 9; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268278658_EFFECT_OF_VARIOUS_HYDROCOLLOIDS_ON_CLOUD_STABILITY_AND_NUTRITION_OF_CARROT_JUICE
10. Potter AS, Foroudi S, Stamatikos A, Patil BS, Deyhim F. Drinking Carrot Juice Increases Total Antioxidant Status and Decreases Lipid Peroxidation in Adults. Nutrition Journal [Internet]. 2011 Sep 24;10(1). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3192732/
11. Vallée Marcotte B, Verheyde M, Pomerleau S, Doyen A, Couillard C. Health Benefits of Apple Juice Consumption: A Review of Interventional Trials on Humans. Nutrients [Internet]. 2022 Feb 16;14(4):821. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8879758/
12. Achar S, Krupa J. Physico-Chemical Studies on the Effect of Preservatives in Storage of ABC Juice. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology [Internet]. 2023 Oct 30;8(10):1049–54. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375279230_Physico-Chemical_Studies_on_the_Effect_of_Preservatives_in_Storage_of_ABC_Juice
13. Sauder HM, Rawla P. Beeturia [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL); 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537012/
14. Al Nasser Y, Jamal Z, Albugeaey M. Carotenemia [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534878/
15. Watanabe R. Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. 2020;66(suppl 1):31–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31939533/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.