Fruits, in general, are absolutely amazing for your health overall, with their balance of important nutrients and the much-needed fiber content, in an alternate universe we would basically be living upon them. Like any other fruit, apples too have their specific benefits on our health, but then what is so special about them that they were able to derive the 'keeps the doctors away' part? Well, there are numerous answers to this question but we have shortlisted the topmost for you.
Health Benefits
According to the USDA 2004 research about the number of antioxidants present in certain foods, two kinds of apples came to the 12th and the 13th place, out of a 100.
May Help to Control Diabetes
Apples have been able to show impressive results in helping to control Diabetes mellitus (type II). Beta cells in our pancreas secrete insulin to keep sugar levels normal, the polyphenols in apples prevent damage to these cells.
Prebiotic Effects
The fiber, pectin in apples act as a prebiotic hence it provides the useful bacteria in our guts with food for their essential growth. Since fiber cannot be absorbed in our body, it goes to the colon directly where these good bacteria lie.
May Help to Suppress Cancer
Apples have shown multiple successful results in curing cancer and lowering their risks. Scientists have been able to derive from them that the antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory effects of apples may have a huge role to play in this regard.
May Help Combat Mental Decline
More specifically, apple juice has shown amazing results on elderly rats to help combat their age-related mental decline (such as dementia) and helped to restore a few backs to that of the young rats. It helps to store a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine which if insufficient may promote Alzheimer's.
Beneficial for Bone Health
Bone strength and density are believed to be improved through the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory content which the apple is both filled with.
Curb Asthma
A huge study conducted over 68,000 women showed that those who consumed more apples had a lower risk of lung-related problems, majorly Asthma. The antioxidants present in the apples help to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative on our lungs.
Good for the Heart
The phenolic compound found in apple skins helps to prevent the cholesterol from sticking to our walls of arteries, hence preventing the risk of coronary diseases. The soluble fiber also prevents the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries.
Improve Gut health (gallstone)
Gallstones are a result of excessive cholesterol in the bile, for which a diet rich in fibers is recommended; Apples!
Prevent Constipation and Diarrhea
The fiber in the apples is able to draw water out from the colon to prevent constipation or absorb water from the stool to stop diarrhea.
Improve Immune System
The quercetin found in the skin of apples helps support your immune system and give it a push, in times of distress especially.
A whole fruit eaten is always better than just its juice or peeled off, as you may never know the hidden nutritional treasures every component holds in it. Go have an apple and shoo the doctor.
