Apples are usually the first word from the alphabet we learn, some of the first fruits we come to love, and remain staples in our kitchens – but, how much do you actually know about these sweet fruits? Here are ten fun facts about apples!
1. A sugary treat.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then go straight for your fruit bowl! Most of the carbs in apples are actually sugars. Not to worry, though; they are natural sugars that will give you a solid energy boost!
2. An apple a day…
We’ve all heard the expression “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, and while that isn’t factually true, apples definitely are good for your health. They are rich in antioxidants, potassium, and Vitamin C, all of which are essential for a healthy body!
3. The land of Apple Pie!
We all tend to think of the United States as being the land of apple pies, as many of us believe that that’s where they originated, but that isn’t the case! As it happens, the very first apple pie actually came from England.
4. An apple to quench your thirst?
If you’re thirsty, then eating an apple can help! Apples are made up of about 86% water, so they’re very hydrating!
5. A poisonous apple?
We’ve all heard fairytales about poisonous apples, but as it happens, the pips are certainly not too good for you. Apple pips contain a cyanogenic glycoside, which is essentially cyanide and sugar. Don’t panic, though – it would take a lot of apple seeds to cause any real damage!
6. The perfect dog treat?
Did you know that apples can make a perfect dog treat? They are great for keeping their teeth clean and making their breath apple-y fresh! Just remember to take the core and the seeds out, as these can be dangerous for our four-legged friends.
7. Snack time!
Apples are often used in desserts, jams, and sauces, but they also make for great snacks by themselves! They only contain about 52 kcal per apple, making them low-calorie, nutritious, and great for weight maintenance. In fact, they only contain 0.2 grams of fat!
8. Apple-bob, anyone?
Did you ever wonder how such a dense fruit floats so well during apple-bob games? It’s because apples are made up of about 25% air!
9. They can take years to come to fruition.
If you plan on growing some apple trees from the pips you’ve been keeping, then go ahead! Apple trees can grow very quickly and well in the right areas. However, they can take years to produce fruits, so don’t expect to go apple picking in your garden this fall!
10. Take your pick!
You may have noticed that not all apples taste exactly the same, and you’ll likely have your own favourites! But, did you know that you actually have a much wider selection than what’s available in your local stores? There are about 7,500 varieties of apples in the world!
11. And they can be good for your respiratory system as well!
Their anti-inflammatory ingredients have been linked to a 10% reduction in the chances of suffering from asthma.
Sounds like the saying could be true – that an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
FAQs about Apples
What are the health benefits of apples?
There are some pretty impressive health benefits from eating apples. They’re full of antioxidants and are proven to be good (in moderation!) for weight loss, they help lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and help promote good gut bacteria.
Is an apple a carb or protein?
Apples contain carbohydrates as well as fibre. A medium apple contains 25 grams of carbs, but 4.4 of those are fibre.
Can I eat apple on keto?
To remain in ketosis you should avoid eating apples as one apple contains at least 25g of carbs!
Is the sugar in apples bad for you?
Whole, unprocessed foods are always more healthy. However, fruit is generally high in sugars. The type of sugar in apples is called fructose, and it’s difficult to get excessive sugar from fruit alone.
Which apple is the healthiest?
Due to the bright red colour of Red Delicious apples, it is believed that they are among the healthiest that you can eat. The red colour is caused by anthocyanidins and other antioxidants, which are great for your health. However, it is essential to note that all apple varieties have their benefits, and all make for healthy snacks.
Are there benefits to drinking apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has proven to potentially lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin intake, and healthier cholesterol levels. Many also believe that it has benefits for weight loss as it promotes fat burning. However, you do not have to take a shot of it for it to work, simply having it in your salad dressing will do the trick!
Does eating apples prevent any illnesses?
It is strongly believed that eating apples may help to prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. So, make sure you get your apples into your menu!
Do you know any fun facts about apples? Share them in the comments section below.