What Is The Healthiest Type Of Apple?

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world — and for good reason. Apples are highly nutritious and can widely benefit your overall health. According to Healthline, they're a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and polyphenols — a group of powerful antioxidants that can help fight off disease-carrying free radicals and protect your cells from damage. As a result, eating apples on a regular basis can help promote heart health, lower inflammation, prevent weight gain, and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

While all apples are healthy, there are some varieties that may contain more nutrients than others (via Eat This, Not That). Based on their nutritional value, Granny Smith apples are the healthiest type of apples you can eat. That's because they're lower in sugar and carbohydrates, compared to other varieties, and contain more phytonutrients and polyphenols. Granny Smith apples are also loaded with pectin, a type of soluble fiber, which can help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Although Granny Smith apples may contain slightly more nutrients than other types of apples, the difference isn't great enough to outweigh your personal preference. "The nutritional differences among apple varieties are small," registered dietitian Mira Ilic told the Cleveland Clinic. "But the taste differences are big. Don't choose an apple based on a small nutrient difference if you don't like the taste."

At the end of the day, any apple you bite into can provide you with the nutrients you need to help boost or maintain your health. All apples are major sources of fiber and antioxidants. That's why it's best to eat whichever apples taste best to you.

It's perfectly fine to have a preference for Red Delicious or Pink Lady apples, however, it's important to choose apples that are both fresh and local. Older apples aren't as nutritious as fresh ones, and you certainly don't want to run the risk of biting into an apple that's already rotten. Pick apples that are firm and free of bruises. Fresh apples are also typically brighter and more colorful and tend to have a stronger aroma (per Cleveland Clinic).