Apples make a quick and easy addition to the diet. Eat them with the skin on for the greatest health benefits.
Apples are high-fiber fruits, meaning that eating them could boost heart health and promote weight loss. The pectin in apples helps to maintain good gut health.
One medium apple containsthe following nutrients:
- 95 calories
- 25.13 g of carbohydrate
- 4.4 g of fiber
- 195 mg of potassium
- 11 mg calcium
- 8.4 mg vitamin C
Research has shown that there is a link between eating apples regularly and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.
Apples also have high levels of quercetin, a flavonoid which may have anti-cancer properties.
One study found that people who ate whole apples were 30 percent less likely to be obese than those who did not. This can lower the risk for diabetes and heart disease.
How to eat apples
Raw apples make a great snack and combining them with almond butter helps balance protein and fat intake. People can also add raw or stewed apples to yogurt, or use applesauce in cooking.
Many people consider pomegranates to be a ‘superfood.’ They are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help to combat the oxidative stress that can cause disease in the body.
Eat pomegranates with the seeds to get the fiber benefits.
One raw pomegranate contains:
- 234 calories
- 52.73 g of carbohydrate
- 11.3 g of fiber
- 666 mg of potassium
- 28 mg calcium
- 28.8 mg vitamin C
One pomegranate also contains 46.2 micrograms (mcg) of the recommended 80 mcg daily allowance of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for strong bones and healthy blood cells.
A review study about the health benefits of pomegranates suggests that they have anti-inflammatory effects and may help protect against brain-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This may be because pomegranates contain particularly high levels of polyphenols.
Research discussed in this review also suggests that pomegranates may restrict the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
How to eat pomegranate
Pomegranates can make a great addition to salads, or to couscous or rice dishes. Pomegranates are sweet, so people can also add them to yogurt and fruit salads.