If You’re Not Eating an Apple Every Day, This Might Convince You to Start
It may not keep the doctor away entirely, but it could reduce your risk for everything from dementia to cancer.
Apples might help stave off Alzheimer’s disease
The benefits of apples include the potential to ward off Alzheimer’s disease. Apples contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from degeneration in rats and might do the same in humans. Dr. Ramani Soundararajan from Dalhousie Medical School and Dr. Vasantha Rupasinghe at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College found that the flavonoids in Red Delicious apples had strong neuroprotective effects.
Learn to spot the early dementia symptoms.
Apples can protect your heart
University of California-Davis researchers found that apples and apple juice may help slow the oxidation process that is involved in the build up of plaque that leads to heart disease. Participants added only two apples or 12 ounces of apple juice to their diet daily and positive effects were evident after only six weeks.
Here are 20 antioxidant-rich foods worth adding to your grocery list.
Apples can help reduce cholesterol
A medium apple provides 4.5 grams of fibre—about the same as the average bowl of breakfast cereal. They’re also packed with pectin, a soluble fibre that reduces cholesterol. Pectin prevents cholesterol from building up in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Find out more high-fibre foods to add to your diet.
Apples may offer protection against cancer
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis found that the polyphenols found in apples had an antioxidative effect, which could potentially reduce the risk for several forms of cancer.
Here are 10 of the healthiest fruits you can buy.
Apples can help asthma sufferers
A study completed at Aberdeen University found there is strong evidence that a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins is good for asthma. Researchers found that when children sipped on apple juice their symptoms were relieved. Dr Peter Burney, who led the project, believes that the phytochemicals in apples, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, help calm inflammation in the airways.
Find out the 14 foods everyone over 50 should be eating.
Apples provide bone protection
Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a flavonoid called phloridzin—found only in apples—may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.
