Last Updated: January 02, 2023
Medically reviewed by NKF Patient Education Team
There are many varieties of apples, and they are plentiful from late summer to winter. Apples range in taste from sweet to tart and are a great treat as an on-the-go snack, in salads, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or baked.
Why are apples a superfood?
- Rich in antioxidants, don’t forget to leave on the peel which gives you 2-6 times the antioxidant power
- Good source of fiber, which can help with constipation
- Good source of vitamin C which is important for healthy tissues and your immune system
- Can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time, are low in calories, and may help control blood sugar when chosen over fruit juices
Apples and kidney disease
Apples are low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium so they are a great choice for a kidney friendly diet. They are safe to eat for all of the following kidney conditions and treatments:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Transplant
- Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
- Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/ Peritoneal Dialysis
- Kidney Stones
Apple types
| APPLE VARIETY | DESCRIPTION | USES |
|---|---|---|
| Ambrosia | Sweet, crisp | Baking, eating, salad |
| Braeburn | Sweet, hard | Eating, salad, sauce, baking |
| Fuji | Sweet, hard | Baking, eating, salad |
| Gala | Sweet, crisp | Eating, baking, drying |
| Golden Delicious | Sweet, firm | Eating, salad, baking |
| Granny Smith | Tart, firm | Baking, eating |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet, crisp | Eating, salad, dipping |
| McIntosh | Tart, crisp | Eating, cooking, pie, sauce |
| Pink Lady | Sweet, crisp | Eating, salad |
| Red Delicious | Sweet, firm | Eating, salad |
Cinnamon Stewed Apples
Makes: 4 servings
Serving size: ½ cup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
- 4 medium apples, peeled and cubed or sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the apples and cinnamon and stir to coat.
- Add the water and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Cook the apples to your desired consistency, 5–10 minutes.
- Cool slightly and serve warm. Perfect for dessert or delicious for breakfast served over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles.
Nutrients per serving:
Calories...........................117
Fat ...................................3 g
Cholesterol .....................0 g
Carbohydrate .................25 g
Sugar...............................19 g
Sodium............................19 mg
Potassium .......................195 mg
Phosphorus.....................20 mg
Calcium...........................12 mg
From the book The Cooking Doc’s Kidney-Healthy Cooking
by Blake Shusterman, MD
Want to save this information for later?
Download the National Kidney Foundation’s Fact Sheet: Kidney-Friendly Superfoods: Apples
This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.
