Apple, one of the most common types of fruit and one that is known all over the world. There is a good reason for the English saying ‘One apple a day keeps the doctor away’. But how much truth is there to this saying and how healthy are apples really?
In this article, we delve into the juicy world of apples and show you what makes this everyday companion a true superfood and what makes apples so incredibly healthy.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away: what's the truth behind the saying?
Apples are nature's treasure trove when it comes to nutrients. They contain a variety of important components that contribute to our health. Here you can learn more about the nutrients hidden in an apple and its benefits.
Discover our organic breakfast with apples here
Nutrient miracle apple? Overview of vitamins and minerals in apples
Here we give you an overview of the most important nutrients in apples.
Fibre in apples
Dietary fibre is indigestible plant material that helps to promote good digestion. Our gut health will also thank us, because fibre serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which thereby supports our intestinal flora. Apples contain soluble fibre, which is necessary for stabilising your blood sugar levels.
Cardiovascular diseases can also be reduced by the dietary fibres they contain. The reason for this is that our cholesterol level and the so-called ‘bad cholesterol’ is lowered. A low energy density also leads to a long-lasting feeling of satiety, which is why the apple is the ideal companion and snack between meals.
These vitamins are found in apples
Everyone knows that vitamins play an important role in our health. Apples are full of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen our immune system. Not only does it help our body fight infections, but it also promotes the formation of collagen tissue.
At the same time, the vitamin B it contains helps convert food into energy and contributes to the functioning of our nervous system. Protection against skin infections, the general health of our skin and mucous membranes and rapid wound healing are also promoted by the vitamin A in apples.
Minerals
Minerals are also an important part of a balanced diet, which are necessary for various important functions of our body. For example, the calcium and phosphorus contained in apples strengthen our bone structure, while potassium helps to maintain the electrolyte balance.
This promotes heart health as well as muscle and nerve function, which in turn improves the quality of our sleep and reduces stress. Magnesium is also important for our energy metabolism, which you will find in increased amounts in apples.
Apples are full of antioxidants
Antioxidants help to strengthen our immune system. They do this by promoting the formation of immune cells, maintaining bodily functions and reducing cell damage. This enables antioxidants to reduce the risk of diseases and harmful influences on our health, which is why they also play an extremely important role in our health.
These are the healthiest apple varieties
There are many different types of apples. The following are among the best known in Austria and Germany:
- Gala – very well known, low acidity
- Granny Smith – green, tart apple
- Pink Lady – firm and juicy flesh, sweetish
- Gloster – fruity and tart
- Elstar – sweet and sour all-rounder
- Boskop – fresh, tart flavour
- Golden Delicious – large, yellow-green to golden-yellow fruits
- Braeburn – crisp and sweet-tart flavour
- Jonagold – pleasantly sweet-tart
- Kronprinz Rudolf – spicy apple, a blend of sweet and sour
- McIntosh – fine-grained and subtly sweet-tart
- Rubinette – very strong, sweet-tart
- Topaz – juicy and acidic
If you are wondering which apple is the healthiest, you should note that the health value of apples depends more on how they are grown and stored than on the variety. You should avoid apples that have been sprayed with chemical fertilisers during cultivation if possible.
In contrast, opt for organic apples, which usually contain lower amounts of pesticide residues. You should also make sure to wash them thoroughly, as well as choose seasonal and regional varieties, as these will also help you to reduce pesticide residues.
How many apples are healthy?
It is recommended to eat fruit every day, but you should make sure to eat a variety of fruits and to cover your nutrient/vitamin needs with the help of vegetables in your diet. In general, however, eating apples is healthy as long as you eat them as part of a balanced diet.
Nevertheless, it is important to consider individual nutritional needs and to be aware of possible allergies or intolerances. Although the fructose contained in apples is natural, people with diabetes, for example, should monitor and, if necessary, limit their apple consumption due to the sugar content.
Healthy recipes with apples
You can use apples to conjure up many healthy delicacies. It's quick and easy to add a portion of apples to your breakfast in particular. Apples go particularly well with porridge, overnight oats or baked oats. You can either slice, dice or grate the apple and eat it raw or roast it briefly.
Here we show you 3 delicious breakfast recipes to help you get a healthy start to the day.
Discover healthy organic breakfasts from Verival.
Conclusion
As with almost all foods, attention should always be paid to quality, how they are grown and how they are stored, for example, to avoid harmful pesticides and to benefit from the health advantages. Therefore, if possible, choose fresh and seasonal apples and vary your apple varieties so that you can benefit from a wide range of nutrients. Ultimately, variety in our diet is crucial to ensure that we absorb a wide range of nutrients.
Frequently asked questions
What nutrients do apples contain?
Apples are full of nutrients, including lots of fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Are pesticides harmful?
Yes, pesticides can pose health risks if used excessively, which is why it is essential to wash fruit before eating it.
Which apple variety is the healthiest?
There is no such thing as a single healthy variety. Different varieties simply differ in nutritional composition and taste. When buying, you should consider the cultivation and storage.
Is it really healthy to eat an apple every day?
Yes, eating an apple every day is really healthy and provides you with plenty of nutrients.
Are apples a good snack before a workout?
Yes, an apple is an ideal snack before a workout. It is easy to digest and provides you with quick energy and fluids.
