Do Apples Give You Energy?
To keep ourselves operating at peak performance every day, our body takes in the food we eat and transforms that food into energy (via Kaiser Permanente). While all the foods and beverages we consume do ultimately go towards our energy, some items provide a better boost than others. For example, sodas and other sweet treats may provide us with a sudden surge of energy, but will quickly leave us feeling tired once again, often referred to as a sugar crash (via WebMD). Eggs, chicken, and beans are just a few of the many foods out there that can sustain us with energy for longer. Do apples offer this same benefit?
As a rich source of fiber and vitamin C, apples stand among the top three fruits produced across the globe (via Harvard School of Public Health). One medium-sized apple contains 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 19 grams of natural sugar. Apples also contain a particular flavonoid called quercetin, which serves as an anti-inflammatory and possesses antioxidant qualities. Additionally, a soluble fiber found in apples called pectin may be linked to the prevention of certain cancers.
It's no secret that apples are chock-full of health benefits. Is an energy boost also one of them?
Apples versus coffee
If you're looking to sub that Red Bull for something a little more nutritious, an apple may just do the trick. While apples are certainly not caffeinated, the naturally-occurring sugar found in apples prompts a slow release of vitamins in the body, and the glucose fuels the body's cells, leading to feelings of alertness and wakefulness (via Cornell University). Even better, the energy from apples comes with no strings attached — meaning, no jitters or caffeine headaches!
Not only that, but the energy from apples is not nearly as short-lived as the boost from a coffee or energy drink. According to experts at Cornell University, if examined on a chart, the energy spike of a coffee looks similar to that of a pyramid, while the energy cycle of an apple appears more like a steady bell curve, therefore keeping us energized over a longer period of time.
If you're still not 100% convinced, consider the additives in coffee, such as sugary creamers, that may be further zapping your energy. Registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto tells PureWow, "If you load your coffee up with sugar and sweeteners, when that wears off you can get a sugar crash and again feel pretty tired and sluggish."
To avoid that dreaded sugar crash, an apple may just be the solution you've been looking for.