Apples are crunchy and delicious and a favorite fruit that is extremely rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and flavonoids.
Below are nine health benefits of eating an apple a day:
Nutrient rich
Apple is nutritionally rich and provides 14% of the DV of immune-boosting vitamin C. Plus apples offer about 4.2 grams of fiber per apple (medium) and 92 calories.
Weight loss
Apples are low in calories, so able to satisfy hunger and can form part of a well-planned diet and weight loss program. Fresh or dried, either choice will help with weight loss. Eating apples regularly can also help to lower cholesterol levels. The pectin and antioxidant content of apple is believed to be the reason for the health benefit.
Heart health
Apples are believed to help reduce the health risks associated with cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The benefit of apples, mostly comes from the antioxidant compounds that are able to inhibit inflammation and stop bad cholesterol oxidizing. Also, by eating the whole apple (including skin) the fiber content is believed to lower cholesterol.
Metabolic syndrome
A well-balanced diet with apples has the potential to lower the risk of suffering from metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Studies indicate healthy eating habits that include apples on a regular basis can cut the risk of this condition by almost 27%. Plus, apples can help to reduce the level of the C-reactive protein, which relates to inflammation and a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Exercise endurance
Apples can provide an exercise extender and prolong the period you are able to workout. This results from an antioxidant known as quercetin, which helps the body to direct more oxygen to the lungs for a more efficient workout. Quercetin can also come in supplement form for more efficiency in all-types of exercising.
Alzheimer’s disease
Apples include a strong antioxidant known as quercetin, which has been able to stop or slow the degeneration of brain cells in rats. This same disease-fighting element could do similar to humans. Make sure to eat the nutrient filled skin to get the most beneficial compounds.
Colon cancer
Apple contains a natural fiber that helps to fight-off the growth of cancer cells in the region of the colon. Plus, a certain type procyanidins antioxidant in apples is believed to help with causing the death of cancer cells.
Gum health
Eating apples often can help to provide a natural toothbrush to clean the teeth. It is the chewing and biting process that helps to promote more saliva and stimulates the gums. This can help to reduce the build up of bacteria and cut issues related to tooth decay.
High cholesterol
Apples are a good source of soluble fiber pectin and low in calories. A benefit of this is the ability to cut bad cholesterol levels that can result in artery damage.
Health risks of apples
While there are plenty of benefits associated with eating apples there are one or two negatives associated with this fruit. One of the major issues is the vulnerability to insects, scale, worms, etc. This means the fruits are often sprayed with several types of pesticides throughout the growth stage. So, make sure to wash the fruit under tap water before consuming.
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