As the famous saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But have you ever wondered how it does this?
According to studies, there are many ways through which apples can improve a person’s quality of life and all of these are possible due to the fruit’s high nutrient content.
Apples contain significant amounts of vitamins C, A, E, B, and K, as well as fiber, copper, manganese, and potassium. Additionally, they are rich in phytonutrients such as polyphenols. That can be attributed for the majority of the health benefits of apples. Some examples of these health benefits include the following:
Reducing cholesterol levels
A study showed that older women who regularly consumed apples exhibited a 23% reduction in bad cholesterol and a 4% increase in good cholesterol. This effect can be attributed to the ability of soluble fiber in apples to bind fats in the intestine.
Improving heart health
Researchers found that apples are just as effective as statins in preventing vascular death in people over the age of 50. This is possible with the help of phenolic compounds in apple skin that prevent cholesterol from accumulating on the walls of blood vessels.
Reducing the risk of stroke
Stroke is another health concern associated with high amounts of cholesterol in the body. One study involving more than 9,000 participants revealed that people who ate the most apples in a span of 28 years exhibited the lowest risk of suffering a stroke.
Preventing cancer
Many studies have looked at the relationship between cancer risk and apple consumption. The majority of them have arrived at the conclusion that eating apples help prevent cancer. This is because they contain flavonols and triterpenoids. That prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
Protecting against dementia
Quercetin is a potent antioxidant abundantly found in apples. In a study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine. This compound was shown to protect brain cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. This consequently improves neurological health and reduces the risk of dementia. Moreover, other studies have shown that drinking apple juice prevents Alzheimer’s by enhancing the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that’s important for memory.
Lowering diabetes risk
Previous studies have associated apples with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. Which they attributed to the fruit’s polyphenol content. These phytochemicals have potent antioxidant properties that protect beta cells in the pancreas from tissue damage that can interfere with their ability to produce insulin.
Improving gut bacteria
A study in the journal Food Chemistry revealed that among the different types of apples. Granny Smiths are the best for maintaining gut bacteria. This health benefit of apples can be attributed to fibers such as pectin that can act as prebiotics and encourage the growth of good bacteria.
Source: www.naturalnews.com
