Apple Nutrition
We’ve all heard “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. It appears that this ancient saying has a basis in fact. Science is finding more good reasons to eat apples every day. Apples are rich in fiber and, no matter how sweet, have a low glycemic index. And don’t forget the antioxidants. Regardless of all the good stuff science tells us, eating apples just feels right. On this page you will find the Nutrition Facts for a medium sized apple and the definition of antioxidants and what they do. But this is just the beginning of the story. Visit Fruit & Veggies More Matters to learn more about how fruits and vegetables can help you stay healthy.
Antioxidants; naturally occurring compounds found in many foods, particularly in fruits and vegetables, such as apples. Antioxidants have been extensively studied and found to be helpful in guarding your body against free radicals.
Remember; low fat diets rich in fiber-containing grain products, fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are an excellent source of fiber.
Apples are:
- fat free;
- saturated fat free;
- sodium free;
- cholesterol free; and
- an excellent source of fiber.
What the Nutrition Facts label doesn't tell you:
- Apples are a rich source of phytonutrient (plant-based) antioxidants.
- Apples and apple juice are two of the best sources of the mineral boron, which may promote bone health.
- Apples contain natural fruit sugars, mostly in the form of fructose.
- Because of apples' high fiber content, the fruit's natural sugars are slowly released into the blood stream, helping maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Federally-approved health claims for apples:
- Fiber-containing fruits and cancer: Low fat diets rich in fiber-containing fruits, vegetables and grain products may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are an excellent source of fiber.
- Fiber-containing fruits and the risk of coronary heart disease: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain some types of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of heart disease, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are naturally fat-free, saturated fat-free, and cholesterol-free, and are an excellent source of fiber.
- Fat and cancer: Eating a healthful diet low in fat may help reduce the risk of some types of cancers. Development of cancer is associated with many factors, including what you eat. Apples are naturally fat-free.
- Saturated fat and cholesterol and heart disease: While many factors affect heart disease, diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of this disease. Apples are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
- Sodium and hypertension: Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are naturally sodium-free.
