What is the nutritional profile of apples?
Key Nutrients in Peeled Apples
A medium-sized, raw, unpeeled apple is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food (approx. 95–104 calories) consisting mainly of water and carbohydrates. It provides about 4-5 grams of fiber (especially soluble pectin), 19 grams of sugar, and 10% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C, making it excellent for heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control.
Key Nutritional Breakdown (Medium Apple, ~182g):
Calories: 95–110
Fiber: 4.4–5 grams (16–20% DV)
Carbs: 25–29 grams
Sugar: 19–22 grams (natural)
Fat: <0.5 grams
Protein: <0.5 grams
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin C (approx. 10% DV), Potassium
Health Benefits:
Heart Health: Soluble fiber (pectin) helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Digestive Health: High fiber content helps prevent constipation.
Weight Management: High water and fiber content promote satiety, reducing overall calorie intake.
Blood Sugar Regulation: With a low glycemic index (34–44), apples provide a steady energy source without causing sharp spikes in blood sugar.
Antioxidants: Rich in compounds like quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Nutritional Tips:
Keep the Skin On: The peel contains the majority of the fiber and polyphenols (flavonoids).
Eat Fresh: Whole, raw apples offer the most nutrients compared to dried or processed forms.
Variety: Different varieties (Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith) have similar, highly nutritious profiles.
Key Nutrients in Peeled Apples (Per 100g-110g serving):
A medium peeled apple (approx. 110g) provides roughly 53-60 calories, 14g of carbohydrates, 11g of sugar, and 1.4g to 1.6g of fiber. While removing the skin reduces total fiber and antioxidants by about 50%, the flesh remains a good source of water, potassium, and vitamins C and K.
Calories: ~53-61 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14-16g
Sugars: 11-13g
Fiber: 1.4-1.6g (significantly lower than with skin)
Fat: < 0.2g (0% Daily Value)
Protein: ~0.3g
Potassium: ~99-100mg (2% DV)
Vitamin C: ~4mg (5% DV)
Minerals: Small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and iron
Impact of Removing the Skin:
Nutrient Loss: Roughly 50% of an apple's total nutrients and antioxidants are in the skin.
Fiber Reduction: Most of the insoluble fiber is removed, although soluble fiber (pectin) remains in the flesh.
Pesticide Removal: The skin holds about 90% of the pesticides used on conventional apples, so peeling is an effective way to reduce intake.
Nutrient Retention: The flesh is still a healthy source of natural sugar, water, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values can vary slightly based on the apple variety (e.g., Gala, Granny Smith) and size.