Apples are delicious and sweet, and make a great healthy snack or on-the-go breakfast, but can you eat one on an empty stomach?
Depending on where you look, some places say you should eat an apple on an empty stomach because it has many health benefits, whilst other sources say you should never eat an apple on an empty stomach.
This is pretty confusing, right? Apples are generally a good source of nutrients, but because they are high in sugar, they shouldn’t be eaten in huge amounts.
That being said, they can contribute to a healthy diet, compared to something like a doughnut which is also high in sugar, though it also includes a lot of bad fats.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at the reasons for both so you can make your own mind up.
What Is In An Apple?
There are so many benefits of eating an apple because they contain so many good things. Here are a few them:
- Iron – iron is extremely important, and helps to avoid a person suffering from anemia. Its main role is to distribute oxygen within organs and body tissue.
- Pectins – pectins are useful if you want to slow down your digestive system, but they also help to get rid of free radicals within the body.
- Fiber – you need fiber to have a healthy digestive system, and to keep you regular. However, you need to get the right balance otherwise you may suffer from diarrhea or constipation.
- Potassium – also found heavily in bananas, potassium is beneficial to keep the heart muscle in working order, amongst other things
- Fructose – whilst not always a good thing, it helps produce energy into the body once it has been digested
Why Do People Say You Can Eat An Apple On An Empty Stomach?
Whilst a quick Google search can bring up a few websites that tell you reasons why apples can be eaten on an empty stomach, there isn’t any solid evidence that it is better than eating an apple not with an empty stomach.
When we talk about an empty stomach, it usually means in the morning when you haven’t even had any breakfast yet.
Basically, there is no other food in the stomach that is on its way to the rest of the digestive system.
It is said to wake up your digestive system and that your heart health is increased by eating an apple on an empty stomach because it includes vitamin C and protein.
Also, that your energy is raised and will help you throughout the day.
Whilst yes, apples do contain some brilliant nutrients, and it does indeed give you energy, but what it doesn’t do is wake up the digestive system.
This is because your digestive system doesn’t need to wake up – it never goes to sleep.
Also, there are myths that believe eating an apple alongside a meal can actually cause stomach discomfort, gas, and lots of other things that don’t release.
It has been debunked, so enjoy that apple after your chicken pasta during your work lunch.
Can An Apple Help You Lose Weight?
The theory is that because an apple, like a lot of fibrous foods, can help you to release your food slower from the stomach, it will make you feel fuller for longer.
In fact, that is true. However, that doesn’t mean that you should be eating an apple for breakfast and then skipping your lunch.
If you want to lose weight effectively, make sure you have a balanced diet that includes lots of nutritious food.
Another point to make is that it barely slows down the rate at which your food leaves the stomach. Whilst it can make you feel more full, there are better meals to help you feel fuller for longer, than just by eating an apple.
Why Do People Say You Shouldn’t Eat An Apple On An Empty Stomach?
Whilst some people believe eating an apple with food can cause you to feel bloated or even constipated, there are those who say that you can feel the same way if an apple is eaten on an empty stomach.
An old-age yet highly believed Indian Medicinal practice believes that the best time to eat an apple is either an hour after breakfast or lunch – and no later than that.
There is some truth in that, mainly to do with the high fiber content having time to digest, and for the nutrients to do their magic properly.
Is An Apple Still A Good Fruit To Eat In the Morning?
Whilst it is probably better not to eat an apple on an empty stomach, unless that is all you have for breakfast, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t generally eat one before lunch. There is a reason for this, so hear us out.
Apples have lots of pectin which is needed for a healthy bowel movement.
This is because it can help to slow the digestive system a bit, which can produce a better movement when you need the loo.
If you eat it earlier in the day, it has time to work and to help you go.
Just bear in mind that pectin is found in the skin, so if you peel that away, then you are losing out on some serious apple goodness.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to know whether you can eat an apple on an empty stomach or not.
Whilst there isn’t any hard evidence as to why eating an apple on an empty stomach is beneficial compared to eating an apple on a full stomach, there is one similarity.
This similarity is that it is best to eat an apple in the morning. This is due to it being beneficial to the digestive system and helping you to stay regular.
It can also give you a burst of energy that can at least take you through the morning, until you re-energize yourself with lunch.
So, don’t be afraid to eat that apple!
Through Addicted To Veggies, I want to share with you my favorite raw recipes. From brownie recipes, to recipes containing pumpkin, my site is full of delicious and wonderful options to consider.
- Can You Eat Sunflower Seeds And Pumpkin Seeds Together? - December 19, 2022
- Vegan Traeger Recipes for Beginners - November 22, 2022
- Is Caviar Vegetarian? - November 3, 2022
