Show Me the Ozarks August 2022

Apples A mixture of colors and nutrition By Bradley Morris W e all know “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is hyperbole, but there is something to it. Many people trying to get healthier look for healthy snacking options, and apples are great for snacking, but if you’ve gone shopping for apples, you know there’s a lot to choose from. So, what should you keep in mind while looking for apples? Firstly, always consult your doctor or nutritionist before changing your diet, and if you’re on a low-carb diet, I can tell you right away apples won’t be a good fit for you. Apples are really high in net carbs, especially sugars, and while apples have a lot of health benefits, some lifestyles need to stay away. Apples are packed with fiber, minerals and vitamins. Apples are also filled with antioxidants known as polyphenols that help protect cardiovascular health and prevent certain forms of cancer. Apples are actually one of the fruits highest in antioxidants in a single fruit, which is probably where the “apple a day keeps the doctor away” idiom comes from. One of the things that gets tricky with apples is each different kind has its own mix of nutrition. For example, Fuji apples have some of the highest amounts of vitamin B but also have more sugar than most other kinds, and Gala apples are some of the highest in calcium but the lowest in antioxidants. Granny Smith apples are probably the most balanced option for apples, having relatively high scores in everything you’d want and relatively low sugar levels compared to other apples, but they don’t taste quite as good as a result. The best way to maximize the nutritional values of your apples is to eat a variety. Always ensure you’re choosing a brighter kind, as those tend to have more nutrients, but generally mixing apples in dishes until you find a combination you like is a good way to go. If you’re not a daily apple eater and are concerned about buying multiple kinds, remember apples can be refrigerated for a month or two. Refrigeration can cause apples to lose some of their sweetness and flavor, and some people prefer the look of a nice bowl of apples on their counter, so do whatever will fit your needs best. And if you are thinking about peeling your apples, just know a lot of the nutritional value in an apple comes from the peel. Especially if you are eating apples for the vitamins, keeping the peel will really increase the amount you’re getting. The peel is also where pesticides like to linger, so always wash your apples before eating. Also, buying organic apples, especially from a farmer’s market, will typically give you more nutritious apples. Heirloom apples especially tend to be way more nutritious than modern varieties. Both organic and heirloom apples will be more expensive, so it’s important to decide what’s the best option for your family’s health and finances. Whether you’ve been a lifelong apple eater or it’s been years since you’ve tried a new kind, there’s so much variety and benefits to apples that trying a new kind is sure to brighten your day!

August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 89