What is your take on applesauce? Can I count a half cup serving as one of my fruits for the day?
– Julia Larson
Philadelphia, PA
It’s somewhere in between drinking apple juice and biting into a whole apple.
Since apples are boiled prior to becoming applesauce, levels of vitamin C and B vitamins are significantly reduced.
Even within the applesauce world, there are variations.
On the “less healthy side” you have applesauce made from peeled apples that also tacks on added sugar.
On the healthier side, you have homemade applesauce made from unpeeled apples and flavored with spices, as opposed to sugar.
Remember, half the fiber — and a large number of antioxidants and phytonutrients — is found in the apple peel!
The other issue with applesauce is that, due to its texture and lack of necessary chewing, it can be very simple to down tablespoon after tablespoon.
The process of eating a whole apple is more time consuming and more satisfying from a psychological perspective.
Final verdict: it’s fine. Much better than drinking apple juice, but not quite as “two thumbs up” as eating a piece of whole fruit.
