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It’s that time of year! Fall is just around the corner, and all things apple-flavored are coming back into season. Apple pie, cinnamon apples, apple cider donuts, apple crumble, caramel apples…the list goes on and on. Can you enjoy apples when you have Chronic Kidney Disease? Let’s take a look!
All About Apples
Did you know that there are 7,500 varieties of apples grown in the world today? They are very widely enjoyed in our world. Actually, about half of the fruit trees in our world are apple trees! It is estimated that the average American eats about 16 pounds of apples every year.
Things to Keep in Mind About Apples & Chronic Kidney Disease
Apples are considered a fruit, which is mainly a carbohydrate-rich food. Apples also contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and some magnesium. Apples are considered a low-potassium fruit because they contain less than 200 mg of potassium per serving. Keep in mind that if you need a potassium restriction, be mindful of your portion size. If you like to enjoy 2-3 apples at once, the potassium content will increase. Here is the nutritional information for one medium apple:
- 95 calories
- 25 gm carbohydrates
- 4 gm fiber
- 195 mg potassium
- 0.5 gm protein
- 0 gm fat
- 2 mg sodium
*Nutrition information from the USDA nutrient food database
Recommendations for Apples and CKD
It is recommended that those with chronic kidney disease aim for 2-3 servings of fruit daily. One medium apple is considered one serving of fruit. If you love to enjoy an apple as a snack, this is great news!
Because apples are considered a carbohydrate-rich food, keep in mind that pairing them with another food with protein and fat can help to balance blood sugars better. For example, try pairing your apple slices with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Or, try pairing your apple with a handful of unsalted cashews or walnuts.
Kidney-Friendly Apple Recipes
- Easy apple crisp
- Baked apples with crumb topping
- Low sugar apple crumble
- Low sodium apple walnut salad
- Apple sandwiches
- Fall chopped salad
- Red cabbage apple gnocchi
- Mulligatawny soup
- Roasted brussels sprouts, apples, and carrots
The Bottom Line
Apples are 100% acceptable on a kidney-friendly diet. They are a great fiber-rich fruit to include on a daily basis. They can be so versatile and can add flavor to any dish! What is your favorite way to enjoy apples on a kidney-friendly diet?
