Research on Golden Delicious apples is a perfect example of that ( 4).įor instance, two studies found that, when compared with certain Italian and Chinese apple varieties, Golden Delicious apples had the lowest content of almost all the phenolic compounds ( 2, 3).Īdditionally, two other studies analyzing Himalayan and Brazilian cultivars found that Golden Delicious apples had the highest content of certain phenols - namely epicatechin and chlorogenic acid ( 4, 13). Aside from their antioxidant activity, carotenoids also benefit eye and heart health and improve brain function ( 12).Įnvironmental factors like location, altitude, rainfall, and temperature are believed to affect the antioxidant content of apples. Like polyphenols, carotenoids are a group of antioxidants. This is due to their content of carotenoids, the pigments responsible for yellow and orange colors in fruits and vegetables ( 11). They may also offer more calcium than other types of apples.Īs the name implies, Golden Delicious apples are not red but yellow-skinned. Red Delicious apples are rich in anthocyanidins - which are responsible for their red color - and many other antioxidants that belong to the polyphenol group. It supports your bones and teeth while regulating nerve and muscle function ( 6, 8). Studies have determined that the antioxidant content is higher in the peel than in the pulp, although this applies to all apple varieties ( 2, 4, 6).īesides these many polyphenols, Red Delicious apples contain at least 28 additional bioactive compounds, all of which contribute to their health benefits ( 7).Ī study that compared the mineral content of five apple cultivars grown in Pakistan, including Kashmiri Amri, Sky Spur, Kala Kulu, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious, determined that Red Delicious had the most calcium in both the peel and the pulp ( 6).Ĭalcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. They also happen to be antioxidants belonging to the polyphenol group ( 1, 5).īesides anthocyanidins, Red Delicious apples contain high levels of polyphenols called epicatechin, flavonoids, flavonols, and phloridzin ( 4, 6). Anthocyanidins are the pigments responsible for red, blue, and purple hues in fruits and vegetables. Research suggests that red-skinned apples have more anthocyanidins than other varieties. When I think of apples, Red Delicious apples’ dark red color and sweet flavor come to mind, resembling the classic red apple pictured in movies, cartoons, and paintings. This article reviews the nutritional qualities of 5 of the most popular apple varieties. In fact, different apple varieties feature significantly varying amounts and types of polyphenols, which affects their health benefits ( 1, 2). Polyphenols are part of the reason different apples have their characteristic colors and flavors. If you’ve ever browsed the supermarket’s produce aisle wondering if the nutritional benefits vary among apple varieties, know that the short answer is yes - and that this has a lot to do with these polyphenol antioxidants. Perhaps surprisingly, apples are considered a major source of antioxidants in the United States and worldwide ( 2, 4). Among their many health benefits, antioxidants may help prevent cancer, inflammation, heart disease, and weight gain ( 2). Polyphenols are a group of antioxidants, molecules that fight free radicals in your body. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. Besides being easily accessible and boasting a shelf life of up to a year, they’re also highly nutritious ( 1, 2, 3). Every variety has its own unique combination of antioxidants, making them diverse and delightful.Īlthough the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may not be medically accurate, there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy apples regularly.Īpples are among the most popular and widely consumed fruits in the world. Apples are a nutritious, tasty choice full of beneficial plant compounds and dietary fiber.
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