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are apples good for you?

is there any truth to the old aphorism that an apple a day keeps the doctor away?

by chris arnold
published aug 24, 2022
read time 3 minute read
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read time 3 minute read
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healthy eating: everything you need to know about apples
in canada, most apples are grown in nova scotia, southern quebec, southern ontario, and british columbia, according to the canadian encyclopedia. getty
one of these a day will keep the doctor away. it spurred the formulation of the gravitational theory in 1665. it’s often (mistakenly) cited as the fruit eve ate in the bible. and it’s the name of the largest company on earth.  the apple is a staple in any good fruit bowl, whether it be for eating or painting. with so many varieties to choose from, there’s an option for everyone — from those who enjoy the softer or sweeter variants to those looking for a more sour or tart flavour. 
apples are native to central asia, specifically kazakhstan, according to north carolina historic sites. by around the year 1500, the seeds of the fruit had been moved throughout europe, with greeks, romans, and etruscans all enjoying apples. 
today, china grows the most apples in the world, producing 42 million tons. the united states, turkey, poland, and india are the next largest producers of the fruit.
in canada, most apples are grown in nova scotia, southern quebec, southern ontario, and british columbia, according to the canadian encyclopedia.

the good 

apples may help lower high cholesterol and blood pressure. high cholesterol can develop fat in blood vessels, which makes it difficult for blood to properly flow, the mayo clinic explains. apples are also a good source of fibre, which can aid in digestion.

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additionally, fruit can be eaten by people with type 2 diabetes. it’s a misconception that people with type 2 diabetes should avoid apples, or other kinds of fruit. but a 2016 study published in experimental and therapeutic medicine suggests eating soluble fibre can reduce insulin resistance. 

the bad

one of the biggest reasons people may avoid — or at least peel — their apples is the risk of pesticides. any fruit with edible skin, including apples, peaches and pears, carries a risk of having pesticide content.
apples come in fifth place on the environmental working group’s dirty dozen pesticides list, just behind strawberries, spinach, kale, and nectarines. the dirty dozen list was compiled since more than 70 per cent of non-organic fresh produce sold in the u.s. contains pesticide residue. 

time to harvest

if you’re the kind of lucky person with access to an apple orchard, one of the quickest ways to check if an apple is ready for harvest is to pick one from a tree and cut the fruit open.
the key to getting good apples is to maximize the shelf life, which can be difficult as each variety of apple will require its own set of circumstances to grow, mature, and stay stable. as a rule of thumb, apples tend to ripen earlier if the spring is mild and sunny, which can start the tree’s growing early. 
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canadian society for exercise physiology
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ways to eat

apples are great as an on-the-go snack, thanks to their durable skin and ability to stay fresh at room temperature after being picked. 
those looking to amplify the impact their apples have can go so many routes it can be hard to pick. apples are classics for pies, crumbles, and tarts for a reason. they’re the perfect blend of sweet and sour that blends well with crusts and oats to make a delicate or hearty snack or dessert. 
 
chris arnold is a toronto-based writer.
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