Most apples are similar in nutrient content. A large Gala apple offers many health benefits. Apples are in season in the summer and fall, but are sold year-round in most supermarkets. Gala apples typically arrive in stores in August and are red-orange with yellow stripes. Gala apples can be used in salads or pies or can be eaten as a healthy snack.
Fiber
Apples are well-known for their fiber content. A large Gala apple contains slightly more than 5 g of fiber. Most of the fiber in an apple is in its skin, so peeling it before you eat it drastically reduces how much fiber you get. Eating fiber-rich foods can help you control your appetite because they keep you feeling full longer. Getting enough fiber in your diet also regulates digestion and supports healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Women should get 22 to 28 g of fiber each day and men need 28 to 34 g.
Sugar
The natural sugar found in apples is fructose, which offers you a dose of energy. While most people should monitor how much sugar they eat, a sweet Gala apple is a better choice than sugary sodas, candy and processed snacks because an apple offers additional nutrients that are important for your health. A large Gala apple contains about 23 g of sugar.
Vitamin C
A large Gala apple contains about 10 mg of vitamin C, a nutrient that supports your immune system and produces collagen for healthy skin and wound healing. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties, which means that it fights free radical damage that can lead to health conditions that include cancer and heart disease. Females should get 75 mg of vitamin C each day and males need 90 mg per day.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of the calories you take in each day, which is 225 to 325 g per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. MayoClinic.com recommends getting most of your calories from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, making Gala apples a good choice. Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy. A large Gala apple contains almost 31 g of carbohydrates.
Fat and Calories
Including foods that are low in fat and calories in your diet is a good way to satisfy hunger and control your weight. Eating foods high in fat and calories could result in weight gain, which increases your risk of several health problems. A large Gala apple contains about 116 calories and less than 1 g of fat.