Apples are the top fruit choice of most kids in the United States, but overall, only about 40 percent of American kids meet the recommended daily amounts of fruit. (Photo : Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
When it comes to fruit faves, apples top the list of fruits that most American kids and teens reach for.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics uncovered that apples account for close to 20 percent of all fruits consumed by children and teens hovering between the ages of two and 19 years.
Apples offer the soluble fiber pectin; antioxidants that help ward off free-radicals; the trace mineral boron that helps in hardening a child's bones, and vitamin C.
Apples are best eaten unpeeled, since the peel contains "up to six times the amount of flavonoids than the flesh" and offer higher amount of antioxidants, The Telegraph reported. Peeling an apple will remove about half of its fiber.
Mixed fruit products that do not contain 100 percent fruit may be laden with sugar and calories. Hence, they have lower nutritional value than a whole apple.
Most fruit beverages also do not contain the healthy dose of nutrients offered by the whole fruit counterpart. Smart consumers may discern tricky juice labels.
Study author Kirsten Herrick pointed out that besides apples, there are other rainbow-colored fruits high in vitamins, potassium, fiber, beta-cryptoxanthin and flavonoids. These include kiwis, strawberries and oranges.
Generally, kids are not getting their sufficient fill of fruits. Only about 40 percent of children in the United States are able to meet the Department of Agriculture recommended daily fill of one to two cups of fruits, CBS 8 reported.
Other nutrition experts noted the usefulness of the study, and encouraged families to load up on more whole fruits.
Setting a good example and exposing kids to healthy eating habits, like munching on apples with the peel along with other super fruits, can have huge payoffs for overall health.
