Sodium Showdown: Do Apples in Vending Machines Have an Advantage Over Other Fruits?

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world and just about everybody has heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. However, many people are ignorant about the numerous health benefits that can be obtained from eating apples daily. Apples are also one of the most delicious fruits that exist. The taste, the ease of eating and the fact that it requires very minimal preparation before being enjoyed make it just about the most appreciated fruit in the world. 

The Jusfes vending machine is an innovation that serves to make apples even easier to access. Also, with the apples carefully selected, only the most nutritious of the fruits will be accessed from the vending machines. Apples come in thousands of varieties. While they may not seem the most exotic, the nutritional value that can be gotten from them should not be underestimated.

Health benefits of apples

Apples can be a healthy addition to any diet as they are loaded with vitamins, fibre, minerals, flavonoids, antioxidants and healthy sugar. All of these provide a range of valuable health benefits to the consumer. Some of the benefits of eating apples include:

Promotes heart health 

The main additions to heart-healthy diets have always been fruits and vegetables. Naturally low in sodium and high in potassium, these plant-based foods prevent dangerous blood pressure elevations that could lead to cardiac issues. Whole apples are a good source of fibre, a substance that has been known to lower cholesterol levels significantly. Apples also provide numerous anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce the overall risk of heart diseases.

It may help in the prevention of cancer 

Apples contain a powerful antioxidant called quercetin. This antioxidant has been known to kill cancer or abnormal cells while leaving the healthy cells alone. Quercetin also interrupts various phases in the cell cycle, inducing cell death (apoptosis) in several of the tumours. Prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer have all shown promising benefits from quercetin. Consuming diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables like apples can provide quercetin along with other potent antioxidants that are crucial for cancer prevention.

Helps in weight loss 

Apples are satisfying and nutritious and can help reduce cravings and manage the appetite. This is because the fibre content helps in slowing down digestion and can provide a feeling of satiety for longer. Their lower calorie content as compared with other snacks like chocolate could help the individual maintain a healthy weight.

Stabilizes the blood sugar levels 

Eating foods or fruits that are high in fibre and low in sugar can have the desired effect of keeping blood glucose levels steady. This may aid in the prevention of diseases like type 2 diabetes. The blood sugar steadying benefit can be traced to the fibre and antioxidant content of apples. The antioxidant functions in the protection of the pancreas, which then produces insulin that removes the glucose from the blood. The fibre helps in slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

Helps in reducing asthma symptoms 

People with asthma can also benefit from quercetin found in apples. It suppresses inflammation and effectively reduces the severity of food allergies and respiratory issues. They have also been found to lower the c-reactive proteins in the blood, which is a sure sign that the inflammatory condition is improving.

Some people may be worried about the sugar content of apples due to concerns about their weight. Apples contain sugar but only about 20 grams per average-sized apple. These are natural sugars, however, and are released slowly due to the high fibre content of apples which delays digestion. This is why they are associated with weight loss and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Are there any adverse effects that may be seen in eating apples?

Although fresh apples are beneficial for asthma, dried apples may contain sulfites which may worsen asthma symptoms in sensitized individuals. For people who are not eating fibre, a sudden apple-eating increase can cause digestive discomfort. In order to avoid this issue, the individual might want to make dietary changes slower. Also, for people with irritable bowel syndrome who are sensitive to certain fruit sugars, apples may be a trigger. This is because apples are high in fruit sugars which may cause issues in some people. 

Conventionally, grown apples may be grown with pesticides, but this is usually regulated by the government for safe use. Fruit allergies to apples are also possible. After biting into an apple, an individual may experience tingling in their lips and mouth, or they may experience more severe symptoms soon after. Another possible cause of allergic symptoms related to eating apples is oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen fruit syndrome, which is different from a typical food allergy. With either of the conditions, the symptoms seen may include itchiness and swelling of the mouth, face, lip, tongue and throat immediately after eating the apples or up to an hour after. 

More severe reactions may include difficulty in swallowing or breathing. If any of those symptoms are experienced, medical care should be sought, and a healthcare provider should conduct an allergy test on the individual.

Conclusion 

Fresh apples are abundant in almost all supermarkets and farmer’s markets, and now technology and innovation have provided that they can be accessed through fruit vending machines. Apples can be eaten fresh and on the go. They can be used for lunch or had at a picnic, and they can be juiced. They are not expensive and are very easy to find. All these make apples a very smart choice for healthy living advocates and fruit lovers.