Since ancient times, the apple is considered one of the most important fruits in the human diet. It has the necessary set of useful properties and a large number of vital vitamins and minerals. Usually people are not at all interested in how many calories are in an apple, because an apple is considered a symbol of health and longevity.
What apples are made of
The main components of any product are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Apples are no exception. On average, for every 100 grams of net weight, they include 0.4 grams of protein and fat, as well as 9.8 grams of carbohydrates.
Having seen how many carbohydrates are in an apple compared to fats, some may doubt their beneficial properties. Therefore, I hasten to add that these fruits also include about 86.3 grams of water and another 1.8 grams of fiber. And this means that, by counting how many calories are in an apple, we can not worry about its excessive nutritional value. In addition, this fruit contains a large number of vitamins and minerals, the main of which are vitamin C and iron. And for those who want to finally find out how many calories are in an apple, I inform you: a maximum of 47.
Why the maximum? Because the calorie content of this product is largely dependent on its internal content and fiber density. And this, in turn, was reflected in the color of the peel, which should finally be guided. The redder the apple, the more calories it has. Accordingly, the greener - the less.
Take, for example, Golden apples, whose calorie content is 41 kcal. These are juicy sweet apples with a yellow peel. But if you choose green varieties, then this figure will decrease to 35 kcal. Therefore, those who are concerned about excess calories, it is better to choose these varieties of apples.
How healthy are apples
These fruits contain almost all the vitamins and minerals that can only be found in herbal products. In addition, pectin is included in their composition, therefore, they belong to the category of products having a low glycemic index and are recommended for use in diabetes mellitus, as well as, if necessary, reduce weight.
Apples cleanse the blood, increase blood pressure, are able to prevent hardening of blood vessels and are very useful for the lymphatic system to work well. They positively affect the functioning of the nervous system and intestines.
Although experts recommend using them together with the peel, which contains the largest amount of nutrients, this should only be done in late summer and autumn. At other times, these fruits are chemically treated for better preservation, and it is better to remove the peel from them.
How to lose weight with apples
Apples are actively used in various diets for weight loss. Moreover, the most radical of them suggest removing up to 10 kilograms of excess weight per week, while others only slightly correct the figure. Speaking of radical diets, two examples can be given.
In the first option, it is proposed not to think about how many calories are in an apple and to use any amount of them during the day without any restrictions. It is recommended to drink the amount of fluid necessary for the body in the form of ordinary water, tea or decoctions of herbs.
The second option is even more radical. It involves eating only apples alone. You can no longer take not only other foods, but even any liquid. The number of apples should be at least one and a half kilograms per day.
In addition to these two options, there are a large number of other, very different diets using apples. You can make salads from them with the addition of other fruits, make kefir-apple fasting days once a week, and even use specially prepared apple pies to reduce weight.
Interesting Facts
In the world there are approximately 7.5 thousand different varieties of apples. Moreover, their calorie content depends not only on the color of the peel, but also on the storage method. For example, if the calorie content of fresh fruit is on average 41 kcal / 100g, then in canned apple mousse it will be 61 kcal, and in dried apple as much as 210 kcal.
No less interesting is the fact that approximately 65% of the world's population lives in places where bananas grow. Conversely, only 35% can enjoy apples right from the trees.
And now the most important thing. So far, scientists have not invented the elixir of immortality. But they recommended to those who want to live a long and active life until they are old, eat one medium onion daily, 150 grams of sauerkraut and one apple. Therefore, you can draw conclusions about the usefulness of the latter yourself.