Dec 16 2008
An Apple a Day
Why do they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There’s not much affordable fruit in the grocery store this time of year other than apples and bananas. So, if we are eating apples all winter, what can we hope to gain nutritionally from them?
Let’s start with the health benefit of the fiber in an apple. Many people do not know that there are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. The apple has both. Soluble fiber works to prevent cholesterol buildup in blood vessels. Insoluble fiber works in the intestinal tract holding water and pushing through food from the digestive tract. It’s better to eat the apple with the skin, increasing insoluble fiber. (Also half of the vitamin C in an apple is located just under the skin).
Nutritional Value for a 2 ½ inch raw, unpeeled apple.
Calories 81
Carbs 21 grams
Vitamin C 8 grams
Fiber (total) 4 grams
Calcium 10 mg
Phosphorus 10 mg
Potassium 159 mg
Vitamin A 73 IU
Folate 5 mcg
Thanks for that info. I do eat apples daily though because I just like them. I never really realized the true health value of doing so. Great post.
Nice post.
Apples are always good for health. It’s my favorite fruit.