Comparing the Nutritional Value of Apples in Vending Machines to Homemade Snacks

Everybody has probably heard the saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but very few realize actually how good an apple is to the body’s health and well-being. Apples are one of the most delicious and healthy fruits that an individual can eat. These fruits are popular because they taste great, are easy to eat on the go and require little to no preparation before they can be enjoyed. However, most people are unaware that eating them regularly over time can provide a massive health boost. The apples from vending machines are as fresh as the ones picked from a tree. They undergo no alterations and have not been added any preservatives or additives.

What are the health benefits of fresh apples?

• Fibre – This provides bulk which helps in digestion, and apples are a good source of it.
• Antioxidants – Apples are rich in antioxidants, most especially quercetin. This nutrient is found in highly pigmented foods, including berries, citrus fruits, green tea, etc.
• Water – This makes up about 85% of the apple, making it a very hydrating fruit.

The combination of the above nutrition makes the apple pack quite the nutritional punch. Some of the benefits that can be gotten from eating apples include:

It helps in easing inflammation 

Inflammation is a way that the body heals damage to it and fights infection. However, inflammation should in optimal conditions only last for a short period. Continuous or chronic inflammation can cause damage to the body, leading to disease conditions. Apples contain anti-inflammatory substances, mainly fibre and the substance quercetin, which is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation, especially in the respiratory system. Eating apples also lowers the c-reactive proteins in the blood, which is a sign that the inflammatory condition is improving.

Stabilizes the blood sugar

When an individual consumes sugary snacks or drinks, there is a spike in their blood sugar. But when they eat foods that are high in fibre and lower in sugar, like apples, they help keep the blood glucose level steady. Having high glucose levels over time can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. The blood sugar steadying benefit in apples can be traced to the antioxidant and fibre content of the fruit. The antioxidant protects the pancreas from damage, which in turn produces the insulin that removes glucose from the blood. While the fibre slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

Reduces blood pressure 

When an individual has high blood pressure, the force with which the blood flows through the vessels can lead to damage. This condition is a leading cause of strokes and cardiac arrests. Eating apples have been found to lower the blood pressure. The antioxidants in the apple peels help in the smooth flow of the blood. Apple fibre might be involved as well.

Boosts the microbiome 

The body is a habitat for many different microorganisms that live in the gut and on the skin. Some are helpful, while some are harmful to the body. Apples help with both types of microorganisms. The quercetin stops the harmful microorganisms from proliferating in the gut while the pectin acts as a prebiotic, promoting good gut health.

Lowers cholesterol 

The major risk of high cholesterol is heart disease. This is because they clog the arteries, restricting the blood flow to the heart. However, the antioxidants and the fibre in apples help to reduce cholesterol. Pectin is the type of fibre that plays the most important role. It binds to the cholesterol in the digestive tract and flushes it out.

Satisfies hunger for longer 

The fact that apples contain high water and fibre content makes them a filling snack. The fibre helps slow down digestion, helping the individual feel full for a longer period. They can also assist in maintaining a healthy weight because they are lower in calories than higher-calorie snacks like cookies.

Helps prolong the life of the consumer 

It is possible that if an individual eats just an apple a day, they may live longer. Adding apples to the diet can reduce the risk of heart diseases or cancer which are among the top two leading causes of death globally. Apples may help in the prevention of cancer, researchers found that people who have at least one apple a day had a lower risk of lung cancer.

Fresh apples are found in nearly every supermarket and farmer’s market. With the help of technology and innovation, they can be in vending machines which can be accessed virtually in any location. Apples can be used as lunch, they can be eaten at a picnic, and they may not be as fancy-looking as berries or grapes, but they are less expensive and much easier to find. Smart fruit vending machines are becoming more common and they can be a great tool for promoting access to fresh fruits, especially apples. Some of these machines even offer personalized recommendations based on the consumer’s previous purchase or dietary preferences. This is an important benefit of these fruit vending machines, as they provide healthy alternatives that are accessible and cheap to get.