Skip to main content

What Is the Healthiest Type of Apple to Eat?

Ft Lauderdale Personal Chef
By Chess Taylor.
What’s that old saying? “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, well that might just be more right than you previously thought! Many of us forget that when it comes to a simple snack or healthier lunchtime side the simplest of answers, such as an apple, are usually the best for us. So next time you’re feeling peckish, why not reach for that fruit bowl instead?
Before we begin delving too deep into the article’s primary subject of interest, let’s start out with a few fun facts on the apple:
  • The apple is the fruit of an apple tree, which are (not surprisingly) one of the most widely grown fruit trees.
  • There are thousands of different apple varieties, including: Gala, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Fuji and Red Delicious.
  • The apple tree originates from Central Asia.
  • Millions of tonnes of apples are grown each and every year for us to consume.
  • China is the leading producer of apples across the globe.
  • Other top apple producers across the world are the USA, Turkey, Italy and Poland.
  • The average apple has around 130 calories, depending upon size and variety.
  • The apple’s genome was actually decoded during the year 2010.
  • Honey bees are commonly the pollinator of apple trees.
  • The apple tree usually blossoms during the springtime and the fruits mature sometime within the autumn.
  • Chemical sprays can be used to protect apple trees from a number of different diseases and pests, although organic methods are quickly becoming more and more popular.
  • The saying ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is thought to originate from Wales during the 19th century. Although this may not be entirely true, the apple does have various health benefits which could potentially make a doctor’s visit less likely!
  • While many apples are eaten fresh, they can be used within recipes -especially the varieties which are more sour in taste called ‘cooking apples’.
  • The apple tree takes around 4 to 5 years to produce their first fruits.
  • Apples are actually a member of the rose family, who’da thought?
  • It would take 36 apples to create roughly one gallon of apple cider.
  • The largest apple that has ever been picked weighed 3 pounds total.
  • The apple contains no fats, sodium or cholesterol making it a very healthy sweeter snack -especially as they are full of fantastic dietary fibre.
  • If an apple is left at room temperature they usually ripen around 6 to 10 times faster than if stored within a refrigerator.
These facts are sourced using the websites Science Kids and Farm Flavor for your educational pleasure.
Each variety of apple has it’s own health benefits and uses, in terms of the recipes it fits well within and the way it can be eaten (raw or cooked). What are the general health benefits of eating apples?

Apple Health Benefits

Whiter, Stronger Teeth

When biting and chewing apples your saliva glands are stimulated to produce more of the substance, and thus reduces the likelihood of tooth decay by lowering high levels of any bacteria present. Although, apple’s cannot replace the need for a toothbrush they can certainly help during the day when brushing your teeth may be inconvenient or impossible.

Alzheimer’s Prevention

Studies conducted on mice have recently shown the impact of apple juice upon the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Mice who were fed the juice tended to score higher on maze tests, as well as displaying a higher quantity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Cancer Prevention

The antioxidants present within apples certainly can help to curb the free radicals within the body that cause cancerous cells to form. In some cases, this can be up to a 23% reduced risk in terms of pancreatic cancers.

Protection from Parkinson’s

Evidence shows that individuals who consume fruits (such as apples) and other fibre rich foods frequently, are much more protected against illnesses such as Parkinson’s. Likewise, a result most likely caused by the free-radical fighting effects that the antioxidants of the apple contains.

Lowered Risk of Diabetes

It has been said that women who eat one apple per day, actually have 28% more protection in not developing type 2 diabetes. Due to being loaded with soluble fibre, apples can work perfectly in avoiding the body’s blood sugar levels from spiking.

Lowering the Body’s Cholesterol

The soluble fibre found within apples can bind with the fats inside your intestines and result in lower cholesterol levels, benefitting the body in numerous ways!

A Healthier Heart Functioning

Compounds found within the apple can aid in avoiding plaque build-up inside your arteries, thus avoiding coronary heart diseases as a result of the reduced blood flow. So, apples may actually help prevent heart disease!

Prevent Gallstones

When trying to prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet which is high in soluble fibre -which is exactly what apples provide! Try consuming at least one apple per day if you are prone to gallstones and hopefully you’ll see the difference in no time.

Treats Constipation and Diarrhea

As previously mentioned, the apple is loaded with the fantastic soluble dietary fibre needed for a healthy digestive system and healthier stools. Working in one of two ways, fibre can either aid with constipation or treat diarrhea for the consumer.

Can Help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

When trying to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, it is advised you avoid dairy and fatty foods -instead replacing them for foods high in fibre. Try replacing your favourite dairy products (such as milk or yoghurt) with either drinking apple juice or eating an apple itself.

Weight Control

Fibre, fibre, fibre! We’ve been relentlessly mentioning this miraculous important dietary need over the past few health benefits, so here’s another positive -weight control. When consuming fibre you are much more likely to stay fuller for longer and this, in turn, avoids unnecessary snacking and calorie consumption. So, next time you’re feeling hungry in between meals why not try a tasty apple instead of those potato chips?

Immune System Booster

The red varieties of apples contain a substance called ‘quercetin’, which is found to be a useful immune booster when consumed regularly.

Prevents Cataracts 

Opinions may be divided on this matter, however recent long-term studies are showing that consuming fruits high in antioxidants (like apples) can reduce your chances of forming cataracts of up to 15%.

And the Healthiest Type of Apple Is?

We all have our personal favourites when it comes to apples, some may like the good old trusty Granny Smiths whereas others may prefer the likes of the Red Delicious -but which is the most beneficial to our health?
Research has found that the compounds found within the classic Granny Smith variety of apple may help to prevent disorders associated with obesity, even if the apple wasn’t linked to any specific weight loss effects. When testing the apple varieties: Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Gala and Red Delicious researchers found that Granny Smith apples contained the most nondigestible compounds as well as a high fibre and polyphenol content. This high fibre and polyphenol content is said to promote the growth of good ‘friendly’ bacteria inside the colon, perhaps even enough to prevent some obesity-related disorders.
One Canadian study found that the Northern Spy, Ida Red and Red Delicious are some of the best apples in terms of their antioxidant contents, noting that the polyphenols of these apples were found mostly within the skin of the fruit. In terms of the best apple for disease-preventing antioxidant contents the Red Delicious certainly ranked the highest, neutralizing many highly reactive free radicals which can cause cancers, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and various other health issues.
Contrastingly, a different study conducted in 2009 found that when testing 15 different varieties of apple, (12 organic and 3 conventionally grown) the organic Pendragon apple was placed at the top spot. The tests conducted upon these apples were ones in which the various plant compounds present were looked at for their health benefits, the apples overall nutritious content was measured and not only was the flesh looked at but the peel too. The Pendragon apple has a similar colouring to that of a crab-apple.
While these apples may of won in their own studies, it is important to realise each variety of apple has it’s own health benefits, specific taste and strengths. If you are considering which type of apple is best for you and your family, it may be wise to try your own taste-tests on the apples which appeal to you most as well as taking into account your personal preferences. For example, do you prefer ‘healthier’ organic fruit or the non-organic varieties which have been protected by various pesticides preventing damage to the apple crops as a whole?
We here at Balance Me Beautiful simply recommend choosing organically grown apple varieties when in season from local farmers, as in doing so you are supporting your local community and preventing the consumption of harmful toxins that can be found within non-organic fruits. If you are interested in consuming conventional non-organic apples, it may be best to not consume the peel, keeping in mind that the apple is rated one of the highest produces to be left with the most residual pesticide content after being treated. Store your apples in the refrigerator if possible, in order to prevent premature ripening as well as preserving their sweet and tasty flavour.

Apple Varieties and Their Qualities

  • Adam’s Pearmain apple: This apple is described to be both ‘nutty’ and ‘sweet’ in flavour.
  • Adanac apple: A medium-sized yellowy green apple, which is actually just Canada spelt backwards in name.
  • Red Delicious: Originating from Peru, this apple is supposedly crunchy and mildly sweet to taste and is in season throughout August to July.
  • Granny Smith: Coming from Australia, this apple variety is a favourite for snacking known for it’s tart and crunchy flavour.
  • Alexander apple: This type of apple is an old variety which, when cooked, becomes a puree.
  • Arkansas Black apple: This apple goes an almost black colour in storage, hence the name.
  • Apricot apple: A lesser-known apple variety which is characterised by it’s apricot-like taste.
  • Golden Delicious: The golden delicious apple has a sweet, mellow taste which when sliced stays white for longer than many other apple varieties. Perfect for many recipes both savory and sweet.
  • Gala apple: In season throughout August to July, the gala apple is fantastic in both pies and salads alike.
  • Fuji apple: This apple is known for its super sweet taste!
  • Honeycrisp: Good for freezing and excellent for all manner of things from salads, to baking to sauces this apple variety is a winner for sure.
  • Cripps Pink apple: In season from November to July, the cripps pink apple has a sweet but tart flavour great for snacking or baking with.
  • Braeburn: In season from October to July the braeburn apple has a bold flavour, and varies from orange to red in terms of colour.
  • Breeze apple: With an aromatic and sweet flavour this apple has a pretty pink and yellowy colour to it.
  • Jazz apple: Uses include snacking, baking, salads, beverages, pies, sauces and these apples can even be freezed.
  • Lady Alice apple: A fantastic name for a fantastic apple, this variety is in season from January to May.
  • Opal apple: This apple is crispy and juicy-sweet!
  • Sweetie apple: Sweet, crisp and full to the brim with flavour the sweetie apple is cute in both name and taste. In season from September to October.
  • Kiku apple: In season all year round and originating within Italy, this apple is said to be exotic, juicy and to have a super-sweet taste.

Final thoughts.

Whatever apple you decide to chow down on, or include within your recipes we hope our article and research will be of some help to our readers! Maybe the best way to operate when choosing your apple variety is to determine the taste and uses of the type of apple you need and then pick one which suits!
We here at Balance Me Beautiful appreciate hearing from our readers, so feel free to let us known in the comment section below your favourite varieties of apples! Alternatively, if you have a query, question or future article suggestion you can contact us via our Contact Page.
As ever guys, thanks for reading and don’t forget to see us again soon.
Palm Beach Personal Chef
Fort Lauderdale Personal Chef
Miami Personal Chef
Freelance Chef

Popular posts from this blog

16 Best Benefits Of Corn (Bhutta) For Skin, Hair And Health

Corn, also known as maize or our good old ( Bhutta/Makkai/Challi ) in Hindi, ‘ Mokka Jonnalu ‘ in Telugu, ‘ Makkacholam ‘ in Tamil, ‘ Cholam ‘ in Malayalam, ‘ Musukina Jol a’ in Kannada, ‘ Makkai ‘ in Gujarati, ‘ Makai ‘ in Marathi and Punjabi and ‘ Butta ‘ in Bengali. Corn is a large grain plant which is said to have originated in Mexico and Central America. Though viewed as a vegetable, it is actually a food grain. The leafy stalk of the plant produces ears, which contain the grains known as kernels. For every kernel on the cob, there is a strand of silk. The white and yellow kernels are most popular, but today, corn is available in red, brown, blue and purple also. The white and yellow hybrids are known as butter and sugar corn which contain both kinds of kernels. This cereal is known for its pleasant taste and its versatility. Baby corn is available in cans or jars in the supermarkets and is used in Asian cooking. This grain is generally available in summer and can be
Read more

Maine's Seaweed Farmers Are Already Having a Record-Setting Year

Lobster fishers have been steadily increasing hauls of this kelp crops in their off-season. By  Jelisa Castrodale   We're already a month-plus into spring and in Maine, spring isn't just about April showers (rain or snow) or May flowers: it also marks the start of the state's seaweed harvest.  According to  the Associated Press, Maine is  the  spot for the United State's seaweed farming industry, and this year already looks like one for the record books.  Atlantic Sea Farms, which works with more than two dozen seaweed farmers, told the outlet that it expects this year's briny crop to tip the scales at more than 800,000 pounds, which almost doubles last year's harvest of 450,000 pounds—a state record at the time.  Over the past several years, Maine has moved from collecting wild seaweed to farmed varieties, and the annual harvests keep getting bigger. In 2018, the total haul of farmed seaweed was around 54,000 pounds, then grew to 280,000 pounds in 2019. A proje
Read more

The Not So Secret History Of The Drive-Thru

Dining out got a new look in 1948, thanks to a 100-square foot burger shack perched next to a circular Baldwin Park, California, driveway. There, five cooks worked behind glass walls assembling take-out meals for motorists, lured by the a sign assuring “NO DELAY” and a restaurant name that promised exactly what it delivered: In-N-Out. There are a few claimants for the first fast food eatery to feature a true drive-thru, but In-N-Out Burger’s first restaurant, with its intercom ordering system and its lack of both inside seating and outside parking was likely the first to offer the complete drive-thru package.  Where Did Drive-Thru Dining Begin? Before the drive-thru, though, came the drive-in, a type of restaurant where customers ate their meals on the premises without leaving their cars. The drive-in concept was first popularized by a Texas chain of eateries called the Pig Stand, whose first drive-in opened on a highway connecting Dallas and Fort Worth in 1921. Customers would pull in
Read more

Yakitori Chicken with Ginger, Garlic and Soy Sauce Recipe

INGREDIENTS 1 pound chicken livers, gizzards or boneless thigh meat ½ cup dark soy sauce or tamari ¼ cup mirin 2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish PREPARATION Cut chicken into one-inch pieces and place in a shallow dish. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce or tamari, mirin, sake or sherry, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 7 minutes, until thickened. Reserve 2 tablespoons sauce for serving. Pour remaining sauce over chicken, cover, and chill for at least one hour (and up to 4 hours). If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for one hour. Preheat grill or broiler. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, and grill or broil, turning halfway, for about 3 minutes for livers, 10 minutes for gizzards and 6 minutes for thighs. Serve drizzled with reserved sauce and garnished
Read more

Dairy Free Banana Pudding Recipe

We have been working on a dairy free pudding, in this case a banana pudding using coconut milk.   The following recipe was been reworked a couple of times and the results are pretty good.  In fact, you could eliminate the sugar/sweetener all together when using the roasted bananas.  It all depends on how sweet you like your pudding. If you are so inclined, you could layer the pudding with cookies (as many do), but we prefer them not in our pudding.  It is a personal choice. Also you could strain the bananas before adding to your warm mixture if you do not want lumps.   Again, we wanted the texture of the bananas so we opted not to go this route. 1/4 cup sugar or other sweetener such as honey or gava 3 eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups full fat coconut milk 1/3 cup flour 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) 4 bananas, roasted Coconut whipped cream (optional - our recipe to be posted later) When your bananas are roasted, let cool for 5-10 minutes then re
Read more

White Fish Gravlax Recipe

White Fish Gravlax Serves 4 Here is a great starter, light lunch or a fantastic item for your holiday buffet.  If you have problems with gluten substitute the wheat bread for a flax or millet bread or leave it out entirely and eat on some mixed greens.   Gravlax 5 ounces/145 grams white fish, bass, snapper-I used tilapia (sushi grade) 2 tablespoons/30 ml coarse salt 2 tablespoons/30 ml caster sugar 1 tablespoon/15 ml of ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon/2 ml ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon/2 ml ground cloves 8-10 pieces of fresh dill fronds Mustard Butter 2 Tablespoons/30 ml 28g of unsalted butter, softened 2 Tablespoons/30 ml of dijon mustard. Salad 1 handful of watercress dressed with simple vinaigrette Creme Fraiche or Sour Cream Mix salt, sugar, black pepper, allspice, and ground cloves.  Liberally sprinkle on both sides of the fish.  Lay half of the dill in a glass container.  Place the fish on top and cover with rest of the dill
Read more

Yeast Or Not To Yeast...how to substitute yeast

Do you have food allergies? Can't take YEAST? Here is a simple way to substitute- Baking Soda or Baking Powder. Baking soda is also used as a leavening agent i n some bread products. However, it operates differently than yeast and may not always be suitable as a substitute. However, here is how baking soda differs from yeast and how to substitute it. Baking soda doesn’t make bread rise in the same fashion as yeast. Baking soda needs to react to an acid to cause carbon dioxide bubbles to make the bread rise. It is often called for in recipes that have a naturally acidic batter for the baking soda to react in. If your recipe calls for yeast and not baking soda, then it generally does not have the required acid for the baking soda to react in. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use baking soda as a substitute. If you want to use baking soda as a substitute for yeast, you’ll need to add an acid to the mix. Generally this is done by adding equal parts baking soda an
Read more

Why You Need A Personal Chef - Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Miami Beach

Do you find yourself going to the grocery store and feeling overwhelmed by everything that is on the  shelves? With the hectic schedules that we all lead today it can feel like a chore to provide a good home-cooked meal for your family. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone working in your kitchen, providing delicious – and time-saving – family-friendly meals? Look no further: YaDa Chef is the stress-free answer to your family’s grocery shopping and cooking needs. A personal chef is not a luxury A personal chef service provides stress-free meals prepared to your specifications in your home.  Your kitchen is left spotless with a refrigerator full of delicious meals. Having your own personal chef is not a luxury reserved for the rich. A personal chef service can cost you less than eating out at a moderately priced restaurant. Using a personal chef service can free up 10 to 12 hours of your time every week. Personal chefs are responsible for handling all the menu planning, groce
Read more

Salmon or Mackerel Loaf with Cucumber Sauce Recipe

From the book Best Recipes from the backs of bottles, boxes, cans and jars 15 ounce/425g can salmon or mackerel  (drained and flaked) 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons/183g dry bread crumbs* 1/2 cup/125ml Mayonnaise 1 small onion chopped 1 stalk celery chopped 1/2 red pepper chopped 1 egg beaten In a large bowl add the salmon/mackerel, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, onion, celery, pepper and egg.  Mix to combine well.  Place the mixture into lightly greased 9 x 5 inch/23 x 13 centimeter loaf pan.  Place in a pre-heated 350F/180C/Gas 4 oven.  Bake for 30-45 minutes. *Substitute 1/2 the amount of rice crumbs for a gluten free version While the salmon loaf is cooking combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cucumber, onion and dill.  Taste for salt and pepper.  Let sit to marry the flavours. Cucumber Sauce 1/2 cup/125ml Mayonnaise 1/2 cup/125ml Sour Cream * 1/2 Cucumber finely chopped 1 small onion chopped 1 teaspoon/5ml dill weed * If you do not have s
Read more

Chicken Provencal Recipe

Rich flavours and a hearty sauce will make everyone think you have been cooking for hours. Bone in chicken has more flavor and is the classic way to make this dish, but feel free to use a boneless piece. Serves 4 2 pounds/900g chicken leg quarters 1 teaspoon/5ml sea salt 1/2 teaspoon/2ml black pepper 1/3 cup/90ml olive oil 1/2 cup/125 dry white wine 2 medium onions chopped 1 clove garlic minced 8 ounces/225g baby bella mushrooms sliced 1/2 cup/125ml pureed tomatoes 2 tablespoons/30ml chopped parsley Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Thoroughly wash and pat dry the chicken and season with salt and pepper liberally on all sides. Brown chicken 4-5 minutes on both sides. Reduce the heat to medium and add 1/4 cup of the wine. Cook chicken for 10-12 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and 1/2 of the parsley cook for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken to a serving platter and add r
Read more