Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker decided to test the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” So she did just that—she ate one Honeycrisp apple every day for a week and wrote about her experience for health site Prevention.
By the end of the week, the dietician says she had a more regular digestion and improved energy levels.
We know that fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. Apples, in particular, are packed with many nutrients our bodies need to function smoothly, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. The pome fruit also includes a good amount of fiber, essential for gut health.
The Dietary Reference Intake for fiber for adult women and men in the US is 25 and 38 grams, respectively. However, most Americans consume only about half of the recommended daily amount.
Most common-sized, 140-gram apples have over two grams of fiber. So next time you want to increase your fiber intake and support more regular bowel movements, consider adding a Pink Lady or Fuji to your diet.
In her recount, Manaker clarified that she would only eat Honeycrisps, as she preferred them to other varieties because of their crunch and taste.
It’s rare not to find an apple that suits most palates. But if you’re not the biggest fan of this fruit and are looking for a fiber-rich alternative, the beloved pear is a great choice.
These pome fruits have an even higher fiber content than their cousin. It’s not a contest, but a 140-gram pear has over four grams of fiber and, just like apples, pears are also a good source of vitamins K and C and copper.
Both are great sources of antioxidants as well as soluble and insoluble fiber. If you enjoy both fruits and want a high-fiber diet, you should alternate between the two.