This Fruit May Help Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels—Here’s Why

When people think about blood sugar, they often assume that fruit should be avoided because it contains natural sugar.

But fruit is much more complicated than simply being “sugary.”

Whole fruits also provide fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. Some fruits may have a relatively modest effect on blood glucose when eaten in appropriate portions, making them useful additions to a balanced diet.

One fruit that often gets attention for this reason is the apple.

Why Apples May Be a Smart Choice

Apples contain natural sugars, but they also contain fiber, particularly when the skin is eaten.

Fiber can slow digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, which may help produce a more gradual rise in blood glucose compared with foods containing rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.

This doesn’t mean apples prevent blood sugar increases. Rather, they can be a nutrient-dense way to satisfy a craving for something sweet.

The Skin Matters

Much of an apple’s fiber and many of its plant compounds are found in or near the skin.

That’s why eating a whole, well-washed apple can provide more nutritional benefits than drinking apple juice.

Apple juice contains much less fiber and is easier to consume quickly, which can make it quite different from eating the whole fruit.