7 Healthy Tidbits about Apples
There is an old proverb – “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” – that’s been around since the 19th century. It was true then and still rings true today.
Apples are among the healthiest fruits, offering various benefits that can improve your overall health. Adding them to your daily diet just makes sense.
The health benefits of apples are plentiful; here are a few to consider:
Packed with Nutrients
Apples are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system, and potassium, which helps regulate your blood pressure.
May Improve Heart Health
Heart disease is the foremost cause of death worldwide. Apples contain flavonoids, an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure.
May Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer is caused by unregulated cell growth. Apples contain antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and promote their death. Research has shown that consuming apples can lessen the risk of some cancers, including breast, colon, and lung cancer.
May Aid in Weight Loss
Apples are a great snack for those trying to lose weight as they are rich in fiber and water and low in calories. The fiber keeps you full and as a result, reduces your overall daily calorie intake. The polyphenol in apples is a metabolism booster, which can also lead to increased weight loss.
May Improve Gut Health
A gut microbiome is a group of beneficial bacteria that reside in your intestines and are crucial to your gut and overall health. Apples contain pectin, a fiber that helps feed the gut microbiome, improving gut health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
May Improve Brain Health
Apples contain quercetin, a flavonoid shown to have neuroprotective effects. Hence, eating apples regularly can prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
May Improve Lung Function
Research has also shown that apple consumption can help improve lung function. The antioxidants in apples can reduce lung inflammation, improve lung function, and reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The Bottom Line
Without question, apples are a superfood and consuming apples daily has many health benefits. From improving heart health to aiding in weight loss and promoting gut health, apples offer a variety of health perks that can improve your overall well-being.
Whether you juice, blend or use them in recipes, apples are a wise and super nutritious addition to your daily diet. So, why not add them to your fresh juice concoctions?!