Health Benefits Of Apples

Benefits of Apples

I recently moved to a new home and am blessed with two apple trees. I picked all I could reach and started dehydrating them. The yellow apples tasted so good that I purchased a fruit picker to reach the ones up high.

Apples are one of my favorite fruits. They are versatile, portable, inexpensive, and unlike other fruit, they store well. There are also quite a few surprising health benefits of apples. There’s good reason why we have the saying “An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away.” Let’s look at some of the ways your health can benefit from eating apples regularly.

Apples Can Help You Safely Lose Weight

Could an apple a day keep the extra pounds away? A recent study in Food Chemistry says yes because apples contain non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut associated with weight loss (prevention.com¹).

Apples make for a great snack that can help you lose weight. A medium apple only has about 90 calories. This simple fruit is packed with fiber and water, helping you stay fuller longer. Eating one or two apples a day, if your doctor approves, preferably before your main meals, causes you to eat less. (Note: ALWAYS check with your doctor before trying anything regarding your health)

Apples Can Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease

The fiber in apples is soluble fiber, which is a substance that will help lower cholesterol. It works the same way as that bowl of oatmeal you have for breakfast per doctor’s orders. In fact, add some chopped apple and snack on another apple in the afternoon for best results.

According to new research, in a new study in the Journal of Functional Foods, it turns out that a daily apple habit can slash your heart disease risk nearly in half (prevention.com²).

Apples May Be One Key For Reducing Your Risk For Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

People who eat apples on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Part of that is because the fiber in apples keeps you full longer, so you’re less likely to gain weight – a major risk factor for both of these medical issues. The other part is that antioxidants and other nutrients in apples seem to have a positive effect on your body and how it processes food.

Dr. Victor Fulgoni notes, “We found that adults who eat apples and apple products have smaller waistlines that indicate less abdominal fat, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for developing what is known as the metabolic syndrome” (news-medical.net³).

And there are even more benefits of apples…

Apples Boost Your Immune System

Apples are packed with vitamin C which as you know helps boost your immune system and wards off infection. That’s why you’re told to take vitamin C or drink orange juice when you feel a cold coming on. As it turns out, apples are vitamin C powerhouses. Eat one per day during cold and flu season to give your immune system that extra boost to make it through without getting sick.

According to Sameer Jha of thehealthsite.com, “apples are rich in so many nutrients, that they can boost your immune system and keep you free from infections. In particular, a flavonoid called quercetin has been shown to significantly improve your immune system” (thehealthsite.com⁴).

Apples Reduce Risks for Certain Cancers (antioxidants and soluble fiber)

Apples may even help prevent cancer. That’s pretty amazing for one little humble fruit. Apples like many other fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants. Those little compounds attach themselves and neutralize cancer causing free radicals. The soluble fiber in apples helps keep your digestive system in order, possibly preventing colon cancer (preventcancer.aicr.org⁵).

There are many foods that can help heal your body and as you can see, the benefits of apples are amazing! Though everything should be consumed in moderation. Enjoy your apple a day and get creative.

Watch for more in our, “An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away” series.

Until next time…CHEERS!

¹ http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/apples-weight-loss-food
² http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/daily-apple-cuts-heart-disease-risk
³ http://www.news-medical.net/news/2008/04/09/37133.aspx
⁴ http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-apples/
⁵ http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2?id=16477