Turns out, the old proverb holds a lot of truth: An apple a day really can help keep the doctor away. New research into the holistic health benefits of apples shows that apples contain vital nutrients that help keep our bodies functioning at top capacity. So grab an apple today and reap all these benefits in a few deliciously sweet bites.
Heart Health
Concerned about your cholesterol levels? Add an apple or two to your daily diet. Regular consumption of apples has been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
PROTECTION against Alzheimer’s
Eating apples and drinking apple juice has been shown to delay the onset and progression of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. A study in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias determined, “The modest, but statistically significant, impact of apple juice on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in this study adds to the body of evidence supporting the usefulness of nutritional approaches, including fruit and vegetable juices, in delaying the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, even in the face of known genetic risk factors.”
Digestion & Weight Loss
Apples are chock full of rejuvenating nutrients and fiber. In fact, a single apple contains the same amount of fiber as a bowl of bran cereal. Fiber helps keep the digestive tract healthy, helps regulate blood sugar, promotes weight management and fights constipation, among other benefits.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Apples contain several vitamins and nutrients (such as boron and manganese) responsible for strengthening bones. Experts believe that postmenopausal women can prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis by eating apples.
Dental Health
Healthy fiber in apples helps cleanse the teeth, while antiviral properties prevent the growth of bacteria.
Skin Care
Apples can be made into a face mask to increase your skin’s natural glow.
Cancer Prevention
Apples are rich in the antioxidants quercetin and pectin, which help remove harmful bacteria from the digestive tract and destroy the enzymes cancer requires to grow. Studies have shown that eating two or more apples each day can reduce your risk of cancer by 9 to 42 percent.
Researchers have determined that the phytochemicals in apples have powerful anti-cancer properties, too. “In this research, we have shown the importance of phytochemicals to human health,” says Chang Yong Lee, professor of food science and technology at Cornell. “Some of the phytochemicals are known to be anti-allergenic; some are anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-proliferative. Now I have a reason to say, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'”
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