Since apple juice and apple cider are high in carbohydrates and added sugars, drinking large amounts can contribute to weight gain and impact dental health.

Drinking apple cider and apple juice can help you stay hydrated, but apple cider tends to be higher in specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a more nutritious choice.

Many of apple cider's health benefits come from its concentration of compounds called . Polyphenols are antioxidants that counteract the activity of free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause cell damage.

Apple cider's antioxidant content contributes to a number of potential health benefits, including:

In addition to its antioxidant content, unfiltered apple cider contains pectin, a compound that acts like fiber and supports the : bacteria and microorganisms in the intestines that assist with digestion. In addition to improving bowel movements, increasing pectin intake may help control blood sugar and reduce blood cholesterol.

Like apple cider, apple juice can hydrate you and provide essential nutrients. Since it's more processed and sweetened, it may not be as nutritious; still, there are benefits to drinking it.

Since apple juice is more processed and filtered, it has a clear color and is lower in polyphenols, fiber, pectin, and specific nutrients than apple cider. Still, it retains some of these nutrients, and it's often fortified with calcium or other essential nutrients.

In a review of current evidence, researchers have linked moderate apple juice consumption with improved cardiovascular health and a better lipid profile -- the levels of fats in the bloodstream. Across multiple studies, the effects were most pronounced with less-processed, dark, or cloudy apple juices.

The flavor and nutritional differences between apple cider and apple juice stem from how these beverages are made. Here's how the two compare:

Though apple juice is slightly richer in calories and sugar than apple cider, they have a similar nutritional profile. The table below lists the nutrients in an 8.5-ounce glass of apple cider and apple juice: