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While you are probably familiar with the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, you may have thought that it is just an old wives’ tale. But there is real wisdom behind the saying. Apples are really good for your health.
Besides being healthy, apples are also delicious, according to the Cleveland Health Clinic. That’s why apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world.
There are more than 7,500 different varieties of apples that range from sweet to tart and apples come in many colors. While people usually just eat apples raw, you can use them in a myriad of recipes and drinks
Rich in nutrients
Apples are a very nutrient rich food that are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and potassium, according to Healthline. This fruit is also full of beneficial plant compounds that are antioxidants including catechin which helps to improve mitochondrial health and quercetin which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. Apples also contain an impressive amount of dietary fiber. One medium-sized apple will supply 6 percent of your daily recommended amount of fiber.
Heart healthy
This healthy fruit is very good for your heart. That’s because eating apples helps to lower your cholesterol due to the antioxidants – a large amount is found in the peels – and fiber they contain. Having high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease stresses the Cleveland Clinic. Apples could also help to reduce your blood pressure which is a leading contributor to heart attacks and strokes.
Helps prevent diabetes
Apples can help stabilize the amount of glucose in your blood because it does not cause the blood spikes that occur when eating sugary foods. High glucose levels can lead to type 2 diabetes. This is because of the flavonoids like quercetin and fiber – that can help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates that is found in apples, according to Health.
Good for your gut
The fiber found in apples can help you improve your digestion. One soluble fiber, pectin, absorbs water in your digestive tract helps to prevent constipation. Pectin is also a prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. The quercetin in apples stop harmful microbes – bad bacteria – from growing and leaving you with a healthier gut.
Could decrease cancer risk
Since apples are antioxidant-rich, this could reduce your risk of developing some cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. That’s because antioxidants help to destroy free radicals that can harm you at the cellular level. The fiber found in apples can also help protect you against colorectal cancer and other cancers of the digestive tract.
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