What’s the big deal about the apple?
An Apple A Day
An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Heck, why not an entire orchard! According to recent research, apples are chock full of health benefits. Not only can they help with weight loss, but they also promote gut, brain, and heart health. Plus, they may even help prevent cancer. So what are you waiting for? Go out and get your apple a day (or two, or three)!
Weight Loss – The Fiber Connection
Apples are the perfect weight loss food – they’re full of fiber so you’ll feel satisfied and full, and less likely to overeat. Plus, they’re delicious, so you can enjoy eating them while you lose weight.
Good news, everyone! Apples contain two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is absorbed by water, and insoluble fiber can’t be absorbed in water. Both kinds of fiber help your digestion by functioning in two different ways. Soluble fiber not only helps you feel satisfied, but also regulates the digestion of glucose. Insoluble fiber is useful because it helps move food through your system, preventing constipation and keeping your bowel movements regular. A properly functioning digestive system is an important facet of weight loss management.
Gut Health
Gut health is a complex topic, but one key component is having a healthy microbiome. Apples are packed with good bacteria that help neutralize digestive problems and create a healthier environment. Apples contain high amounts of pectin, a type of fiber that aids in promoting healthy bacteria growth.
By having a good population of healthy bacteria, your internal system can function more smoothly. With a solid microbiome, your body will be better able to absorb nutrients, fight off infection, and promote a healthy weight. So next time you’re looking to boost your gut health, reach for an apple!
Brain Health
The numurous benefits of apples extend to brain health! Quercetin, a key compound found in apples, has been shown to support neuron function and protect against oxidative stress-related damage. This boost in brain health can help keep cognitive decline at bay.
Quercetin benefits the brain in many, healthy ways. It helps neurons from excessive aging and losing natural function. Additionally, quercetin may protect the brain and nerves from damage caused by environmental and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes damage to cells, and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. So next time you’re looking for a snack, don’t forget the apples!
Cancer Prevention
Apples are a valuable ally in the fight against cancer. They contain a sundry of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by free-radicals, which inhibits the growth of cancer. Also, the fiber content in apples has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
A study from 2016 showed that eating apples could help lower the risk of colorectal, lung and breast cancer. A group from the America Association for Cancer Research concluded that flavonoids found in apples could help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by as much as 23%. So, while there is no one food that prevents cancer completely, apples play a key role in revitalizing and maintaining your health.
Heart Health
Apples also help out your cardiovascular health by having a lot of soluble fiber. This fiber helps by not letting plaque build up in your arteries and by keeping your blood pressure low. Additionally, the soluble fiber in apples can stop cholesterol from being absorbed into your blood. This, in turn, keeps your LDL (or ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels down.
When it comes to your health, incorporating apples into your diet is a delicious and powerful way to boost your overall wellbeing. The benefits of apples are far-reaching and include everything from supporting cardiovascular health to improving digestive function. And, it should be noted, all these amazing benefits seem to occur when eating the whole apple, skin and all. We recommend eating organic apples for the best possible health benefits. Whether you eat it as a stand-alone meal or as a snack, apples are a great way to incorporate more healthy goodness into your day-to-day life.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-apples#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-apples#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267290#nutrition
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-apples#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
