An Apple a Day? Does It Really Keep the Doctor Away?

Remember the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Loaded with vitamins and fiber, the humble apple can do wonders for your health. Compared to other fruits, it ranks second for highest antioxidant activity. It’s one of the most nutritious foods out there, and has just a few calories per serving.

The Miracle Food You’re Not Getting Enough Of

Apples are among the healthiest yet overlooked fruits on the market. Just one piece delivers 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C, which is over 14 percent of the recommended daily intake. This fruit is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Pectin, a fiber in apples, keeps you slim and lowers cholesterol levels. It also improves insulin resistance and regulates blood sugar, which helps prevent diabetes. According to a 2014 study, this dietary fiber helps your body break down fats and boosts digestive health. It’s a safe, natural cure for diarrhea, indigestion, and high cholesterol. Pectin also keeps you full longer due to its gel-like consistency. In a clinical trial, dieters who ate apples reported greater energy, reduced appetite, and lower insulin levels.

What Are the Health Benefits of Apple?

Eating an apple a day can improve your health and well-being. This fruit reduces the effects of aging on the brain, prevents tooth decay, and protects against Parkinson’s. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, apples can decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer by as much as 23 percent. The triterpenoids and other cancer-fighting compounds in apple peel inhibit tumor growth and increase antioxidant levels in the body.

This fruit is loaded with epicatechin and other flavonoids that help prevent stroke, reduce high blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular function. A 2011 study has found that people eating an apple a day were 28 percent less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who didn’t. Researchers believe that the polyphenols in apples protect beta cells from free radicals and improve insulin response.

Regular consumption of apples has been also linked to a healthy gut flora, asthma relief, and stronger bones. This superfood contains anti-inflammatory compounds that increase bone density and strength. Packed with antioxidants, it protects against age-related mental decline and boosts memory.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab an apple and enjoy its refreshing flavor!