You’ve heard of the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, well it is no joke! Apples also contain a high amount of soluble fiber which can help to lower total cholesterol levels. Plus, apples are loaded with antioxidants, mostly found in the apple’s skin. Therefore, try to eat apples with the skin on it. One concern surrounding apples is the high use of pesticides. If this is an issue, choose organic apples whenever possible or make sure to wash and scrub your apples really well before consuming. Nutritional value changes when comparing whole apples to applesauce to apple juice. Choosing to eat the whole fruit raw will provide you with the most nutrition. As the fruit is processed there will be a significant drop in nutrient value. A recent study led by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that people who ate more whole fruit, like apples, were significantly associated with a reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas greater consumption of fruit juices was associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. When in doubt opt for the whole apple to get the most nutritional benefits! Best of all, apples are conveniently available to us all year round at local grocery stores! How do you like them apples? Elaine Secilmis, RD, CD
