Different varieties of apples pack different nutrients, all of which can significantly benefit your health, so here are some of the apple types you should know about.
Granny Smith
You probably know these apples for their bright green color and sour taste. However, you may not know that they have less sugar than most other popular apple varieties. These crispy fruits are high in fiber, including the kind known as pectin, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Eating Granny Smith apples can promote better digestion and nutrient absorption, boost your immunity, and keep hunger at bay longer, as they take longer to break down than sugary snacks do.
Red Delicious
They may not be as trendy as other apple varieties, but Red Delicious apples are packed with antioxidants in their dark red skin. This pigment comes from plant nutrients known as anthocyanins, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and cell damage.
Just make sure to eat them with the skin on. That’s where most of the phytonutrients reside.
Fuji
Fuji apples are one of the sweetest and crunchiest varieties you can buy, which is why they’re so popular. However, these fruits are also jam-packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that can help keep your heart healthy and running smoothly.
Eating Fuji apples daily is an easy way to give your heart some extra love while filling up on a snack that will stick with you until your next meal.
Gala
These apples are one of the most popular varieties found in stores, and for a good reason. Galas are one of the best sources of quercetin, which many believe can help improve your immune system. Quercetin is an antioxidant that may help alleviate your body’s reactions to allergens.
Adding Gala apples to your diet can help you get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, which will help you fight off colds and inflammation.
Honeycrisp
You’ll know Honeycrisp apples by their signature crunch. But they also provide your body with balanced nutrients. Their bright red and white coloring indicates high levels of Vitamin C.
Your body uses Vitamin C to produce collagen, a protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Honeycrisps are also made up of a large percentage of water, which can aid in your daily hydration intake.
Pink Lady
These crisp apples get their name from their recognizable pink blush. Pink Ladies pack a powerful antioxidant punch, even more than other popular colorful varieties.
Pink Ladies may even be able to improve metabolic function, allowing your body to better utilize energy throughout the day. They also make for a great post-workout snack, as their sweetness can help restore your body’s glucose and electrolyte levels.
Braeburn
When it comes to Vitamin C and potassium, Braeburn apples are tough to beat. Potassium is key in regulating blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy. Braeburns are also known for their bold taste; many describe the flavor as spicy.
So if you’re trying to fill up on snacks that will keep you full longer, reach for a Braeburn apple.
Golden Delicious
Golden Delicious apples may not be as flashy as some of the apples on this list, but they make up for it in the nutrition department. These apples contain high amounts of iron, a mineral that aids in transporting oxygen through your blood. They also contain several other trace minerals that help contribute to healthy blood flow.
What’s more, Golden Delicious apples are much less acidic than other apples, making them ideal for people who suffer from heartburn or indigestion.
Empire
Empire apples are a hybrid of McIntosh and Red Delicious apples. As a result, they inherit many of the nutritious benefits of both. Empire apples are extremely rich in dietary fiber and contain potent blends of antioxidants that may promote brain health.
Plus, they last a long time on your counter without going bad.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.