10 Reasons To Drink Apple Cider This Fall Season Slideshow

A study from the University of Massachusetts found that apple cider may even help improve cognitive skills thanks to its high level of antioxidants.

Apple cider also contains the antioxidants flavonoids, which along with cancer and heart disease prevention can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Cider contains roughly four times the level of polyphenols as filtered apple juice. These antioxidants may help prevent cancer as well as heart disease.   

Thanks to the small amount of fiber in cider, along with the sugar alcohol sorbitol, the drink can help promote regular bowel movements and loosen stool. 

While most of the fiber found in whole apples is lost when pressed into cider, a small amount, important for maintaining a healthy weight and heart health, is retained in cider because it's being unfiltered. 

Cider contains a small amount of iron, which is necessary for brain and blood function. There is about 2 percent of your daily iron needs in an 8-ounce glass.

It isn't always easy to get the recommended number of fruit servings in your daily diet. Luckily one 8-ounce glass of apple cider counts as two servings of fruit.

One glass of cider also contains 135 milligrams of potassium, about 4 percent of your daily needs, which is important for muscle and heart health.

Cider is an excellent source of vitamin C, which, among many other benefits, is great for your immune system and cardiac health. One glass contains 6 percent of your daily needs. 

Apples are one of the best sources for pectin, and cider contains just as much as the whole fruit. The compound has been show to help absorb bad cholesterol in the body.