Apples are full of nutritional goodness. ( miss lemon / Shutterstock.com)
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a saying that has been popularized throughout the past century. This adage has lead people to believe that apples are a miracle fruit . Well, are they? Yes, indeed - the celebrated and most widely-grown fruit in the world is in fact chock full of health benefits. And due to its immense popularity, in the UK the apple even has its own national day of honor today - October 21. With sound research behind Adam and Eve’s tasty delicacy, find out exactly just how good apples are for you by reading the list below. While you’re at it, honor Apple Day by sinking your teeth into a tasty fresh apple – it’s recommended by doctors and scientists to eat it whole, peel included to maximize your wellness quotient.
1. GIVE YOUR BRAIN A BOOST
Apples hike up the production of acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells, helping enhance memory and keeping brains sharp as they age. A recent study suggests that apples can lessen the odds of getting Alzheimer’s.
Strengthen your brain by munching on an apple. (Solomiya Trylovska / Shutterstock.com)
2. PUT CHOLESTEROL IN CHECK
Apples were discovered to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) in older women who ate apples everyday for six months.
A helpful way to lower cholesterol and stay in shape is by eating an apple. (marekuliaz / Shutterstock.com)
3. FLASH THOSE PEARLY WHITES
Apples aren’t a substitute for brushing your teeth, but biting and chewing on the fruit stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay and minimizing cavity-causing bacteria.
Make your smile brighter. (kurhan /Shutterstock.com)
4. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY HEART
Studies have found that eating apples lowers risk of coronary heart and cardiovascular diseases.
Keep your heart in good shape. ( Peshkova / Shutterstock.com)
5. KEEP SUGAR AT BAY
Apples contain a ton of soluble fiber which slows down food digestion and glucose into the bloodstream. One study found that people who ate five or more apples a week had a 23% lower risk of contracting type 2 diabetes than those who didn’t eat apples.
Lower your sugar levels. (Frame Studio / Shutterstock.com)
