Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Everyone's heard the old saying 'It's like comparing apples to oranges,' suggesting that not all fruit is the same. And it's true'apples are quite different from oranges, but both fruits are nutritional powerhouses that should be included in your diet. Let's look first at apples; they've got a lot going for them. Apples are low in calories and high in soluble fiber, and they contain many micronutrients. Because apples have a lot of soluble fiber'much in that pectin form that is used to gel jellies'they may also have a role in lowering blood cholesterol and improving insulin response to foods. Apples also are packed with several phytonutrients and flavonoids, especially in their skin, that have been associated with a lower risk for cancer and of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The sugars in apples are mostly from fructose, a natural carbohydrate with a low glycemic index (meaning apples' sugars cause only small fluctuations in blood-glucose and insulin levels). What's the best way for you to get apples into your diet? Fresh with the skin still on is best, but frozen apples and unsweetened applesauce are good for you too. At the market, choose firm, fresh apples and store them in your refrigerator for healthy, crunchy treats. Now let's turn our attention to oranges. By weight, apples and oranges have similar low calorie levels and small amounts of carbohydrates. Oranges, however, have a bit less fiber'about 2.5 grams per fruit compared to between three and five grams in apples. And if you think oranges are juicier than apples, you're right'they have considerably higher water content. Oranges have many nutritional benefits, including about 30 micrograms of the B vitamin folate, 50-55 milligrams of vitamin C, and 175 milligrams of potassium. For the most nutritional benefits, eat whole fresh oranges, including the white pulp (called the albedo), which contains much of the fruit's beneficial phytonutrients and fiber that help lower cholesterol and blood-pressure levels. Oranges stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator (but never in plastic bags!) will stay fresh for about two weeks. So there you have it'our comparison of apples to oranges. Suffice it to say, though different, both are good for you. Talk with your dietitian about how to best incorporate these fruits'and others'as a healthy part of your diet. Fields-Gardner is the director of services for the HIV nutrition company Cutting Edge and is a member of the International AIDS Society and the American Dietetic Association's Dietetic Practice Group on HIV and AIDS. She is the author of Living Well With HIV and AIDS: A Guide to Nutrition and a coauthor of HIV Medications: Food Interactions and A Clinician's Guide to Nutrition in HIV and AIDS.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM
The July/Aug 'Treatment Guide' issue of Plus is here!
June 26 2024 3:49 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM