An apple a day keeps the doctor away: It’s a “mommy” saying, but scientifically speaking, there’s some truth to it. If eating apples doesn’t reduce the number of doctor visits, it is associated with taking fewer prescription drugs, according to a study published in May 2015 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Apples are healthy foods that you should include more often in your diet. They contain important nutrients linked to protection against disease, are portable, and come in their own natural food packaging. Since there are so many types of apples, there is bound to be something for everyone.
The nutritional value of apples.
A medium apple contains:
- 95 calories
- Protein: 0.5 grams (g)
- Lipids: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4 g (14% of the Daily Value or DV)
- Vitamin C: 8 milligrams (mg) (9% of the Daily Value)
- Magnesium: 9mg (2% DV)
- Potassium: 195 mg (4% of the daily value)
What are the benefits of eating apples?
Apples are a good source of fiber, as well as vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and potassium, which is good for the heart. At only around 100 calories, they’re a great addition to most diets.
What are the side effects of eating apples?
There are no general side effects. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may be following a low FODMAP diet to identify trigger foods, which vary by individual. Apples are not a low FODMAP food and may cause gastrointestinal issues such as bloating in these individuals.
What is the healthiest apple?
Eat the apple that you like the most. A previous study identified Red Delicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red varieties as having the highest levels of antioxidants, which may reduce disease risk. However, you will reap the rewards of any apple you eat. Just be sure to keep the skin on for the best value.
Is it bad to eat more than one apple a day?
If apples make you feel good and you enjoy them, you can eat more than one a day. Diets containing a mix of plant foods provide a variety of plant compounds such as antioxidants, so it is important to have a varied diet.
Are apples good for weight loss?
Yes. A research review, which included data from five human trials, concluded that apples are associated with weight loss. Apples are low in calories and a good source of fiber to help fill you up. It can also help people to be more successful on the diet.
The health benefits of apples
For such a small fruit, apples are very beneficial for health and can contribute to the following aspects:
1 Disease prevention
Apples are packed with a variety of disease-fighting phytochemicals. Many lifestyle factors, such as stress, lack of sleep or prolonged sitting, damage your health and generate free radicals. Of course, an apple alone can’t offset any of these factors, but adding antioxidants to your diet will help boost your body’s defenses against diseases like cancer.
2 immunity support
In addition, apples contain vitamin C (a medium-sized fruit contains 9% of the recommended daily allowance). It’s not as much as an orange, but vitamin C is important for the immune system. Since maintaining a healthy immune system is likely to be a major concern as winter approaches, when cold and flu season is in full swing, any additional intake of C is helpful.
3 Support blood sugar, heart and gut health
Finally, apples are impressive with their 4 g of fiber. This comes from a combination of insoluble fiber (from the skin) and soluble fiber (from the pectin in apples). Fiber in general slows digestion to help maintain blood sugar balance. Insoluble fiber will promote regular bowel movement, while pectin is associated with cardiovascular and intestinal health, according to research published June 2015 in the journal Nutrients.
4 The effects of the apple on weight loss.
Apples have some good points for a weight-loss diet: They’re low in calories (fewer than 100 in an average fruit) and they contain 14% of the daily value for fiber per serving. The fiber not only fills you up, but you have to spend time chewing on the apple. The more you chew and the longer it takes to eat, the fuller you will be. For the best effect, eat a whole apple instead of a slice. Get rid of cakes, cookies and sweets. Eating natural foods with your treats increases your fiber intake, which helps with weight loss and provides other health benefits. More information
How to choose and store apples.
Now you know that apples can be good for your health, but how do you ensure that you choose the best fruits and do everything possible to maintain their texture and flavor?
Apple Picking Tips
To find the tastiest apples at the store or farmer’s market, choose those with shiny skin and firm to the touch. Do not eat bruised or pitted apples.
Tips for keeping apples fresh
Apples can be stored in the pantry at room temperature for five to seven days or in the refrigerator for one to two months. It is best to store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
Other uses for apples
Apples are best eaten, but you can also use them in a variety of ways, such as boiling them in spiced water to add a nice fall scent to your home, using them as stamps for kids’ crafts, or placing them in a bowl on your table for decoration.
side effects of apples
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), apples can trigger the bloating and abdominal pain characteristic of this condition. This is because apples contain a large amount of fructose. Apples should be avoided if you are on a low FODMAP diet. This type of diet is very restrictive and you definitely don’t want to eliminate apples if you don’t have to. That’s why working with a knowledgeable registered dietitian can help you determine which foods to avoid for digestive comfort.
Another important point to note: Although apples contain 25g of carbohydrates per medium-sized fruit, if you have type 2 diabetes, you can still include apples in your diet.
A Final Word About Apples
Apples are a classic, everyday snack that you should eat throughout your life. Not only are they a natural source of delicious treats, but they are also a good source of fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals that may play a role in gut and heart health and immune function.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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