Are Apples in Vending Machine Healthier Than Trail Mix?
Trail mix is one of the most popular snacks that are available. They are delicious, nutritious and easy to customize to the taste of the customer. However, many people are unaware of the health benefits that come from them. Regardless, there is the need to answer if apples in vending machine are healthier than trail mix.
Trail mix gets its name from the fact that it was originally developed as a snack for hikers. Although the ingredients can vary, most varieties contain nuts, granola, seeds and dried fruits. Some types also contain popcorn, cereal, candy or even chocolate chips. They are paired with seasoning like sea salt, garlic powder, thyme, cinnamon and paprika. Some varieties may also contain sweeteners like honey or even maple syrup. The prepackaged trail mix is widely available at a lot of vending machines, online retailers and grocery stores. They can also be made at home with a lot of recipes existing online.
What are the benefits of trail mix?
Some of the benefits of trail mix include:
- Rich in protein – As they are typically a mix that contains several high-protein ingredients, such as nuts and seeds, trail mixes are a good source of protein. Protein is crucial in tissue repair, immune health, muscle growth and more. It can also help in weight loss by reducing the individual’s appetite and making them feel fuller for longer.
- They are easy to make or customize – The portability and convenience of trail mix is what makes it a great option for hikers. It is also an excellent choice while travelling or going on a road trip because it is a good source of energy, it is compact and easy to enjoy. It is also easy to customize to the particular taste of the individual based on their preferences.
- Good source of healthy fats – The nuts and seeds found in trail mix are rich in heart-healthy fats. This can help in the reduction of cholesterol levels which is a major risk factor for heart diseases. A lot of the nuts and seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and protect against various chronic health conditions.
Are there any cons to trail mix?
Since they can be customizable and are made up of different types of constituents, not all types of trail mix are considered equal in nutrition. Certain types have higher concentrations of unhealthy ingredients, such as chocolate, cereal, or candies, which raises the amount of sugar and calories in each serving. Certain types that contain high levels of seasoning and salted nuts and seeds may also be high in sodium content. Consuming high amounts of sodium could lead to high blood pressure levels, especially in people who are sensitive to salt. Also, many of the constituents of trail mix are calorie-dense, including chocolates, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Therefore, it is important to keep the portion sizes in check to avoid overeating and weight gain.
Benefits of apples in vending machines
Firstly, the calorie content of a single average-sized apple of 100g is about 52KCal which is significantly less than the one present in any variety of trail mixes. This ensures that the apple consumer gets quite the boost of nutrients without getting too many calories. Also, apples provide the most benefit when they are consumed raw, fresh and unpeeled, just like when they are gotten from the Jusfres vending machine.
However, the nutrient content in different apples may vary depending on the type being eaten, with the red apple being the healthiest as its dark skin contains more antioxidants. All apples are rich in fibre, antioxidants and water. The fibre provides bulk which is beneficial in digestion. The water, which makes up about 85% of the apple, makes it a very hydrating fruit and the antioxidants, especially quercetin have numerous health benefits.
What are the health impacts of consuming vending machine apples?
The combination of the nutrients present in apples makes them pack the nutritional punch and provides the following health benefits:
Helps in reducing blood pressure
When the force of blood flow in the vessels is excessive, it could lead to damage to those vessels, a condition that is the leading cause of strokes and cardiac arrests. Eating apples lowers the blood pressure. The antioxidants that are present in the apple peel help in the smoother flow of the blood in the vessels. Fibre also plays a vital role.
Stabilizes the blood sugar
Eating fruits that are high in fibre with lower sugar can help regulate blood glucose levels and keep them steady. Having high glucose levels over time can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. The ability of apples to help in the regulation of blood glucose levels can be traced to their antioxidants and fibre content. The antioxidant functions in protecting the pancreas which then produces insulin that helps in the removal of glucose from the blood. The fibre acts in slowing down the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream
Lowers the cholesterol
Cholesterol can clog the arteries supplying the heart and restrict blood flow, thus making them a major risk factor for heart diseases. Antioxidants and fibre found in apples help in the reduction of this cholesterol. Pectin is an important fibre that plays a role in this. It binds to the cholesterol in the digestive tract and then flushes it out.
Boosts the microbiome
The body provides a habitat for many different microorganisms that live in the gut and on the skin. Some are helpful, while others are harmful to the body. Apples help with both types of microorganisms. The quercetin eliminates the harmful organisms and stops them from proliferating in the gut, while the pectin acts like a prebiotic, which is important in promoting good gut health.
Helps prolong the life of the consumer
Adding apples to the diet can cause a reduction in the risk of heart disease or even cancer which are two of the leading causes of death globally. Apples may help in the prevention of cancer, especially lung cancer.