Red delicious, Granny Smith, or crab apple; whatever variety you fancy, apples do a body good! What’s so great about apples?
Low in fat and calories
Hungry? Apples are a healthy, filling, and sensible snack. One apple contains less than 100 calories. Great for the body and the waistline!
Fibre
Apples are a great source of fibre. The peel and pulp of the apple are the main contributors to the fibrous content. One medium-sized apple contains over 4 grams of fibre. Adults should aim for at least 21 – 38 grams of dietary fibre each day.
Vitamin C
Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C has many roles in the body including: keeping your gums healthy, absorbing iron, protecting from bruising, healing wounds, maintaining muscle, tissue, and bone health, and possibly reducing the risk of disease such as cancer.
Antioxidants
Found naturally in foods, antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage and may to help reduce the risk of disease such as cancer or heart disease. Apples get their antioxidants primarily from flavonoids, which are found mostly in the peel. Flavonoids give apples their vibrant red, yellow, and green pigmentation.
An interesting note about apple juice and applesauce…
While these options can be a good source of nutrition, the fibre content is often limited in apple juice and applesauce. The pulp and peel of the apple are often reduced or removed during the processing, thus resulting in a lower-fibre product. It is also worth noting that several commercially-sold juices and sauces many contain added sugars beyond the natural content of the apple, increasing the calorie and sugar content.
Enjoy apples as a part of a healthy diet. Eat them on their own or get creative and include them in various recipes. Happy eating!