Dr. Robert Cook - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Robert Cook

Is Applesauce Bad For You?


Grade

A


Short answer

Applesauce is a wonderful snack that is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Avoid applesauce that has high fructose corn syrup or any additional chemical additives. The best choice is to make your own or purchase organic applesauce made with the skins of the apples.

Grade

A

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Apples are nutrient dense fruits that when made into a ground sauce will satisfy most palates and supply a nice source of vitamins, minerals, flavanoids, dietary fiber and antioxidant power to the body.  Applesauce is a great source of Vitamin C and also provides Vitamin K, B6, riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese and magnesium.  The skin of the apple should be used to make the sauce in order to capture higher amounts of fiber.  Fiber is a missing nutrient in many diets so boosting your daily intake will support healthy digestion and elimination. Fiber is filling and also supports healthy glucose and cholesterol levels.

Homemade applesauce made with whole organic apples and no added sugar is a great snack or addition to any meal.  Some added cinnamon can give additional health benefits.  The antioxidant effects offer cellular stability against DNA disruptive free radicals and some research studies demonstrate that apples can prevent lung cancer and slow down the growth of breast tumors. Applesauce has been studied in reference to metabolic syndrome (visceral fat that is linked to Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk) demonstrating that the nutrients in apples lower the risk of this deadly syndrome. Eating an apple or applesauce daily has also been linked with decreased risks of asthma and enhanced lung function.

The pectin in apples suppresses your appetite, making apples or applesauce helpful in a weight loss program and the flavanoid quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps with various arthritic and systemic inflammatory conditions.

Unfortunately, genetically modified (GMO) apples were due to be released early 2017.  Buy organic apples if you are making your own applesauce recipe.  If you are purchasing applesauce that is pre-made then avoid plastic containers (possible BPA’s), still look for an organic option and find a brand that does not have high fructose corn syrup, added sugars, food coloring, etc. 


Possible long-term side effects

  • too many apples equals high calories/carbohydrates and can inhibit weight loss

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • great source of vitamin c and also provides vitamin k, b6, riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese and magnesium
  • great antioxidant
  • high in fiber
  • heart healthy and helps with metabolic syndrome
  • supports the health of the gi tract
  • natural anti-inflammatory
  • brain support

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Organic Honeycrisp Apple Sauce

  • USDA Organic Certified
  • Non-GMO Project Verified
  • No added sugar
  • Convenient pack of 6
  • Gluten-free product
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 01-11-2018
Last updated: 12-01-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 01-11-2018
Last updated: 12-01-2023




Related
Random Page

Check These Out!