Fall is fast approaching, and you can tell the excitement of the apple-picking season is in the air! You may ask yourself how healthy apples are or if each variant offers unique nutritional benefits. Don’t worry, this article answers all your questions!
Two dieticians recently explored these questions, explaining whether the age-old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” holds any truth. Let’s find out if the saying still stands, shall we? But first…
Is It Good to Eat Apples Everyday?
Although apples are available in several varieties and colors, their nutritional values differ. Kelly Springer, a registered dietitian with the New York Apple Association, notes that the darker red or purple skins tend to have higher levels of antioxidants than their lighter-colored counterparts.
Generally, apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. And guess what? That adage mentioned earlier is more than just a catchy phrase. Diane Lindsay-Adler, another registered dietitian with Boston Children’s Health Physicians, shares that apples can protect you against serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.
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Just so you know, apples are celebrated for being nutrient-dense, meaning they pack a huge chunk of essential nutrients into each serving. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans reveal that a 2,000-calorie diet should include 2 cups of fruit daily, emphasizing whole fruits like apples.
Health Benefits of Apples
When it comes to weight management, they are the best choice of fall fruits. Their high fiber and water content contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can help minimize overeating. Studies have shown that eating whole apples can increase satiety more than consuming the same amount of its juice.
Additionally, research suggests that regularly eating apples may significantly reduce Body Mass Index (BMI), a key factor in assessing heart disease risk. In fact, studies show that consuming 100-150 grams of whole apples daily is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and related risk factors, such as high blood pressure.
Does eating apples keep the dentist away? In terms of oral health, you’d be shocked to know that apples can help clean your teeth. Eating apples minimizes the bacteria in your mouth because it enables you to generate more saliva. Your saliva naturally washes away the bacteria in your mouth, protecting your teeth from cavities.
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What Are the Top 5 Fall Fruit Types?
The Red Delicious apple types are visually striking with their red hue. But what if I told you that their taste falls short of expectations? Although known for its mild flavor, some people detect a subtle grassy note when taking a big bite.
Despite their somewhat underwhelming taste, Red Delicious apples remain among the most popular. While they might not be the best choice for baking, these apples are aesthetically pleasing. This is particularly true when sliced and paired with nut butter for a simple, satisfying snack.
On the other hand, Granny Smith apples have a firm texture and tangy flavor, making them ideal ingredients in many recipes. They also hold up well under heat, making them particularly well-suited for baking. Interestingly, Granny Smith apples are named after a real person—Maria Ann Smith—who first cultivated this variety in the 1860s in Australia.
Golden Delicious apples live up to their name with their golden color and sweet, almost honey-like flavor. They also have a hint of cinnamon and anise. Golden Delicious apples are tender when ripe, almost like a pear, making them ideal for fresh eating or adding a sweet note to various dishes.
Gala apples are known for their mild sweetness and crispness. Taller and thinner than many other apple varieties, they are typically a pale red with distinctive yellow streaks. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, with a large apple providing about 4.6 grams, contributing to daily fiber intake.
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