When You Eat Too Many Apples, This Is What Happens To You
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but too many apples can lead to more visits to the doctor than you anticipated. Although apples are packed with health benefits, anything in excess can cause negative side effects. According to Eat This, Not That!, the average person should be able to eat one to two apples each day without any issues. However, eating more than that may lead to digestive issues. Apples are packed with fiber and natural sugars. Too much of both of these at once may cause bloating, gas, and stomach upset.
The high sugar content in apples can also lead to blood sugar issues. Although you shouldn't shy away from apples because they contain natural sugars, eating too many at once can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate. This may not be a huge deal for people who are generally healthy, but individuals with certain health conditions may want to stick to one apple a day. "For people with poor metabolic health or diabetes, too much sugar from the fruit may also worsen insulin sensitivity or interfere with how well diabetes medications work," said nutrition expert and author Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS.
Health benefits of apples
Although eating too many apples can cause health issues, there are plenty of health benefits you can get from this fruit when you moderate your intake. According to Healthline, apples contain many vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, manganese, copper, and vitamin A. They are high in fiber and water, both of which can support a healthy weight by keeping you full. They also contain pectin, which is a kind of fiber that acts as a prebiotic in the gut. This can support good digestive health.
Apples are a tasty and versatile fruit, which means it should be easy to eat one every day. They can be enjoyed plain as long as you avoid the seeds, which can be toxic if you eat too many (via Medical News Today). Apple slices also pair well with savory foods like peanut butter, cheese, and yogurt. Plus, you'll get the added benefit of some protein and healthy fat with your snack. Just be sure to thoroughly wash the peel before digging into an apple to get rid of any germs it may have picked up in the grocery store.