This year, the biggest food trends are all about healthy eating and living. There is an increased focus on nutrition and diet variety, so much so that Google searches for ‘healthy eating’ have increased by 80% compared to last year.
As a lifestyle and wellness coach, it’s my job to keep up with the latest trends and educate my clients on what is really healthy and what is just a fad. One of the biggest food fads this year is the apple sauce diet. Is consuming apple sauce really good for you? Is it a healthy snack option?
Let’s dive into the facts about apple sauce to figure out whether or not it’s worth adding to your diet.
Key Facts About Apple Sauce
There are several important things you need to know about apple sauce before you start eating it every day. First, let’s discuss the source of the sauce. Apple sauce is generally made from apples that have been fermented with various types of bacteria. This process gives the food its unique tangy and acidic flavor.
The type of bacteria used will determine the flavor of the apple sauce. A common type of bacteria used to make apple sauce is lactobacillus. Fermentation makes the apples safe to eat since the bacteria help render it more digestible. Even though it’s fermented, the foodstuff is still considered a vegetable and is, therefore, allowed on a vegetarian diet plan. It’s also an excellent source of fiber.
Consuming foods rich in fiber will help improve your digestion and regularity. When you’re regularly eating foods that are high in fiber, you’ll also help keep your metabolism up, which means you’ll be losing weight even when you’re not trying. Sounds like a perfect partnership!
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s discuss the nutritional value of the foodstuff. Apple sauce is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly quercetin and catechin. While these compounds aren’t exactly food, they act as powerful antioxidants in our bodies, protecting our cells from damage and premature aging. Quercetin also has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are tiny molecules that can damage our body’s cells. These molecules are formed by toxins such as pollution or cigarette smoke, radiated drinking water, or overexposure to sunlight.
If you’re interested in adding more fruit to your diet, apple sauce is a great alternative to regular fruit since it’s a relatively low-calorie source of nutrients, containing only 37 calories per cup. One gram of fiber contains 4 calories.
So, if you’re looking for a nutritious and filling snack option, consider grabbing a couple of spoonfuls of apple sauce. You won’t taste the difference, but your body will thank you for it.
Key Facts About Apples
It’s also important to know a few things about the apples you’ll be using to make the apple sauce. First of all, all apples are not created equal. Some apples are more nutritious and beneficial to your health than others. There is a wealth of information online that can help you determine which types of apples are best for you. Here are a few tips to help you narrow the selection.
The best guide to selecting the best apples for you is the nutrition facts panel on the back of the food package. This information includes the amount of energy (in kcal) and the fiber (g) content for each type of apple. The best and most beneficial apples are the ones that have the highest content of fiber and vitamin C. Vitamin C is an ingredient that our bodies can’t produce, but it is very important for the human body’s immune system and tissue integrity. The antioxidants that apples contain also help protect our cells from damage and premature aging. When you eat fruits and vegetables, it is known as antioxidants prevent damage from free radicals in our bodies.
With all this talk of nutrition and healthy eating, it’s only natural that people are going to be looking for ways to spice up their diet with more nutritious foods. If you’re looking for a food that is both nutritious and tasty, opt for apple sauce. You’ll be doing your body and the environment a favor, too.