8 Health Benefits of Apples

Did you know a medium apple counts as 1 cup of fruit–half of your recommended daily fruit intake?

Apples are packed with vitamins A, C , and flavonoids. For various reasons, the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is absolutely true!

Apples are considered a “power food” based on all the vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants which fuel our body with the right nutrients & minerals it needs.

Here are 8 amazing health benefits of apples:

1. Fiber: A medium apple contains 4 grams of soluble fiber. When you eat fiber regularly, you are also less likely to get heart disease and certain types of cancer. Fiber keeps you regular.
   

2. Lower Cholesterol: By eating apples, you consume phytonutrients, which can lower your LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. One study found that eating two apples a day has the potential to lower cholesterol levels by as much as 16 percent.
   

3. Energy Boost: The natural sugars in apples are good for more than just their sweet taste. They also provide a natural energy boost. That’s why apples are a great choice for an early-morning snack or a post-workout treat.
   

4. Improved Digestion: The natural sugars in apples are good for more than just their sweet taste. They also provide a natural energy boost. That’s why apples are a great choice for an early-morning snack or a post-workout treat.
   

5. Heart Health: The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.
   

6. Reduce Cancer Risk: Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumors in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fiber intake to reduce the risk of Colorectal cancer.
   

7. Weight Loss: Apples satisfy hunger for few calories so it’s not surprising that they can be part of a healthy diet that promotes weight loss. Researchers think apples’ antioxidants and pectin (a type of fiber) are responsible for the benefits—and think that fresh apples would be even more effective.
   

8. Immune System Booster: Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you’re stressed out.