Science and food companies alike are always in search of the next "superfruit." The interesting thing is that all fruits are superfruits in their own right—containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that work together with thousands of other compounds found in that given fruit or veggie. We are at the "tip of the orchard" when it comes learning about all the nutrients fruits have to offer and how they work in harmony together.

Apples are the latest fruit to receive attention. Several recent studies (Cornell, Appalachian State) have isolated and discovered benefits of quercetin, a compound (flavonoid), found in apples that can function as an antioxidant among other things. An apple is clearly more than vitamin C.

The Wall Street Journal is one of the many dailies reporting on the latest news. In a recent article, WSJ used apple juice in the diets of kids as its lead in, despite apple juice nor kids being the focus of the research. Juice in general is a controversial topic when it comes to kids' nutrition. While apple juice does contain some nutrients, those nutrient benefits do not outweigh negative effects of excess juice in a child's diet (and an adult's). Small amounts of apple juice have always been part of a healthy diet for kids.

The interesting thing to note here is how the tone of the new nutrition discovery changes when being reported to consumers through journalism. Some facts are lost and messages are misunderstood. I will give the WSJ a little credit. Despite the first two paragraphs, the message is a pretty good one—whole apples are your best bet.