You’ve undoubtedly heard the old adage that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But, is the famous saying true or is it just a myth?
Without doubt, apples have amazing health benefits that warrant the “apple a day” adage.
Although there are literally dozens of powerful benefits associated with the apple, here are 5 benefits that you just can’t ignore:
1. Apples are Packed with Nutrition
Even though apples contain only 95 calories, a medium apple is packed with 4 grams of soluble fiber. This makes apples a sweet and fulfilling snack.
In addition, apples are filled with antioxidants – a disease-fighting compound that helps prevent and repair oxidation damage that happens during normal cell activity. A recent study conducted by USDA scientists sought to rank the top 100 foods in regards to their antioxidant concentration per serving size. Red Delicious apples and Granny Smith apples ranked 12th and 13th in the study. Not too shabby!
2. Apples Can Deter Cancer
The American Association for Cancer Research has conducted several studies that suggest that eating apples could help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 23 percent. In addition, scientists at Cornell University discovered that triterpenoids – a chemical compound found in the peel of an apple, can reduce liver, colon, and breast cancers. Finally, it’s worth it to note that the National Cancer Institute recommends a diet high in fiber to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
3. Apples Can Protect Against Metabolic Syndrome
Another amazing benefit of eating apples is the reduced chance of developing metabolic syndrome – a clustering of at least 3 medical conditions including: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and low HDL levels.
In Eating Well Magazine, Joyce Hendley reports that a National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), discovered that apple-eaters are 27% less likely to have symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome than non-apple eater.
4. Apples Can Aid in Your Overall Endurance
Here’s good news. If you eat an apple before you exercise, you may have more endurance. Apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin which makes oxygen more available to your lungs.
Obviously, more oxygen aids in endurance which allows you to exercise longer and more comfortably.
5. Apples Can Lead to Weight Loss
It’s no surprise that many health problems are associated with being overweight including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. To improve your health and manage your weight, many doctors recommend a diet rich in fiber.
Apples are not only high in fiber, but also satisfy your hunger for not many calories. In fact, Florida State University conducted a recent study that suggested that women who ate a cup of dried apples each day for a year, lost weight and lowered their cholesterol. The researchers believe that the combination of apples’ antioxidants and pectin (fiber) are responsible for the weight loss.
Final Thoughts
You may have not thought of the apple as a power food. But, without question, the apple is packed with nutrition, can deter cancer and metabolic syndrome, aid in your endurance, and lead to weight loss.
That being said, there’s no doubt that “an apple a day can definitely keep the doctor away!”
