What’s in it? Why do i care?
Posted on 12.12.09 by Libby
Apples
What’s in it?
Apple Juice, Applesauce, Apple Cider, Apple Pie….the list goes on. We’ve all been eating (or drinking) apples since our childhood. But, what exactly is in an Apple?
An average size apple, with a three-inch diameter, consists of approximately 70 calories. It contains about 19g of Carbohydrates, of which 14g is sugar. It also contains over 3g of fiber! There are only traces of fat and protein - less than half a gram of each. And, no micronutrient is heavily prevalent, though there is about 150 mg of potassium, or 1/3 the amount of a banana.
Why do i care?
Apples provide a solid source of naturally occurring sugars, which are a good boost of energy anytime of the day. Also, the 3+ grams of fiber is a good place to start achieving the 25-30g recommended by the American Heart Association per day.
Potatoes
Mashed, scalloped, baked, fried…how many ways can you serve a potato? There are certainly some ways that are much healthier than others, long before you add the butter and sour cream. But, what does a potato have to offer?
A raw potato of about the same size as the apple mentioned, consists of approximately 150 calories. It’s no surprise that this equals about 34g of Carbohydrates, of which only 2g is sugar. Like an apple, a potato contains just over 3g of fiber and less than a half a gram of fat. However, there is the subtle bonus of 4g of protein! Certainly not a primary source, but complementary to a balanced diet. And, as for the micronutrients, it contains almost a full gram of Potassium, or more than twice that of a banana!
While the potato isn’t your go to vegetable for nutrition, it’s not as bad as sometimes perceived. It can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, unless of course, it’s deep-fried!
