How healthy are apples?

Have you heard of the old wives’ tale, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away”? Fall is apple season and a great time to visit an apple orchard for some fresh apples. Growing up I often heard that apples did not provide much nutrition. But now researchers know that apples provide some good nutrition including adding some antioxidants and fiber to one’s diet. Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Apples do have many nutritional benefits. Apples are low in calories, have no fat, and do provide fiber which many American diets are low in. Unlike many American snack foods, apples have no sodium but do provide potassium which helps prevent high blood pressure. The American Heart Association notes, “Foods that are rich in potassium are important in managing high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) because potassium lessens the effects of sodium.” Apples are a great grab and go snack and may help satisfy one’s sweet t...