Why An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Why does everyone say "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away?"

What are the benefits to eating one red (or green or golden) apple?

First, apples are a great source of all-around nutrition.

They are low in calories (around 95 for a medium sized apple), fat free, and cholesterol free.

Plus, the apple peel has a good amount of fiber (around 4grams per serving), with most of that fiber coming in the form of pectin (more on this in a minute).

Apples also are full of water, which could keep you well hydrated throughout the day, plus vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that could keep the cells of your body very healthy and happy.

However, besides this, apples have been shown to have many other positive benefits to your health.

Let me explain…

Apples and Blood Sugar Control

Apples are full of polyphenols, which have been linked to improved blood sugar control.

How do they help?

The phytonutrients found in apples have been shown to reduce the activity of specific enzymes that are responsible for converting complex carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Plus, some studies have shown that apples may stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin, therefore regulating blood sugar more effectively.

Reduce blood sugar levels may reduce your risk for developing metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Apples and Weight Loss

The simple fact that apples may be low in fat and calories could be one reason why they are so important for losing weight.

However, due to the fiber content, and the fact that a high amount of the fiber is found as pectin, apples could be a great way at providing you with vitamins and minerals, all while slimming your waistline.

Even though the fiber content is moderate (4grams), when combined with other food sources with fiber, it may boost your weight loss results by making you feel full, and for longer periods of time.

This may prevent you from overeating the next time you head to the table.

Apples and Heart Health

Studies have shown that oxidized LDL cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk for developing atherosclerosis.

However, a new study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, shows that eating one apple, four times a week was associated with lower oxidized LDL cholesterol and beta2  -glycoprotein levels, which have been linked to an increased risk for atherosclerosis.

They authors concluded, that by adding this very simple dietary change (one apple per day) had a major effect on atherosclerosis risk, in part due to the polyphenol content found in apples.

Plus, this was not just accomplished by eating apples.  It was also shown that an apple extract supplement also had the same effects as eating an apple.

Apples and Overall Health

Apples have not only been associated with lower blood sugar levels, improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, or weight loss.

They have also been linked to improvements in eye health, reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and improvements in your antioxidant profile.

Apples are the perfect snack for filling you up (fiber content), keeping you hydrated, and providing essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for improved weight loss and overall heart health improvements.



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