3. Being a rich source of antioxidants and other phytochemicals,
apples help protect cells from cancer-inducing oxidative
damage, prevent the start of cancer, stop tumor growth
and promote cancer cell death.
Apples are particularly beneficial in preventing colon, breast,
liver and lung cancer.
Several studies done by the American Institute for Cancer
Research have found that regularly eating apples can suppress
breast cancer tumor growth by 17 percent.
Also, eating one or more apples per day can reduce the risk of
lung and colon cancer and help maintain a healthy digestive
1. Wards Off Cancer
4. Apples are a rich source of phytonutrients known as quercetin,
catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acids that help protect the
cardiovascular system from oxidative damage. Oxidation is
involved in plaque buildup that leads to different types of heart
disease.
The pectin present in apples also helps lower bad cholesterol
levels and prevent cholesterol from solidifying and blocking
artery walls, which reduces blood flow to the heart.
University of California researchers found that eating two
apples or drinking 12 ounces of apple juice daily is associated
with a lower risk of death from heart disease.
2. Provides Healthier Heart
5. Apples can also lower your risk of diabetes. A study involving
187,382 people found that people who ate three servings of
apples per week had a 7 percent lower risk of developing type
2 diabetes compared to those who did not.
The polyphenols in apples influence the digestion process and
absorption of carbohydrates, and this in turn improves
regulation of blood sugar.
Also, apples lessen the absorption of glucose in the digestive
tract, stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and
increase the flow of sugar out of the bloodstream and into the
bodyโs cells.
3. Manages Diabetes
6. Apples are a rich source of fiber and have low calories, so they
are great for keeping your weight under control. When you eat fiber-
rich foods, your stomach stays satisfied longer which helps prevent
overeating.
Also, the pectin present in apples aids weight loss. Pectin usually
requires more chewing and makes you feel full.
Moreover, when pectin dissolves in the stomach, it forms a gel-like
substance that traps dietary cholesterol and fat, thereby limiting
the amount of fat your cells absorb.
According to a Brazilian study, women who ate three or more apples a
day lost more weight compared to those who did not.
Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces your risk of heart problems,
4. Aids Weight Loss
7. It is a known fact that calcium is the most essential nutrient
for strong bones and apples are a good source of
concentrated calcium.
Apples also contain antioxidants that help strengthen bone
density and a compound known as boron that strengthens
bones as well as prevents fractures.
Plus, the flavonoid known as phloridzin present in apples
plays a key role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis,
especially among post-menopausal women.
5. Strengthens Bones
8. A British study found that people who ate two to five apples a week
had a 32 percent lower risk of suffering from asthma compared to
people who ate fewer apples.
This is mainly due to the flavonoids found in apples that help calm
inflammation in the airways.
Also, apples contain phenolic acids that make it easier for a person
with asthma to breathe freely, reducing the need for breathing
treatments.
Apples are also a good source of vitamin C, another essential
nutrient for relieving inflammation and keeping the lungs healthy
and strong. Vitamin C also boosts the immune system, which helps
6. Prevents Asthma
9. Eating an apple after each meal can help you
get rid of yellow stain on your teeth. The
astringent quality and mildly acidic nature of
apples can brighten and cleanse your teeth.
Apples act as a toothbrush when chewed and
can help deal with stubborn stains. After
eating and chewing crunchy apples for several
days, youโll see a difference in the color of
your teeth.
Because apples contain sugar and acid, rinse
your mouth with water after eating them. If the
7. Brightens Teeth
10. To detoxify your liver, you can do a two-day apple
fast where all you do is eat apples for two days.
The pectin in apples has exceptional detoxification
properties.
It helps eliminate unwanted heavy metals,
excessive cholesterol and other toxins present in
the body during the digestion process in the
intestine.
This process reduces the workload of the liver and
helps restore optimal digestive, cell and circulatory
functioning.
A detoxified liver also prevents headaches, bloated
stomach, allergies, indigestion and insomnia, all of
which can be caused by toxins in the liver.
8. Detoxifies Liver
11. Researchers at Cornell University found
that both fresh apples and apple juice help
slow age-related cognitive problems.
Apples are a leading source of quercetin,
an antioxidant that protects brain cells
from free radical attacks. This is very
beneficial in improving brain health and
reducing the risk of neurodegenerative
disorders, such as Alzheimerโs disease
and dementia.
To improve brain health, eat apples with
9. Improves Brain Health
12. A study conducted at Florida State University found
that those who ate apples everyday had less bad
cholesterol (LDL) and more good cholesterol (HDL)
compared to those who did not eat any apples.
High LDL cholesterol levels are considered very
dangerous and may lead to many health problems, so
it is very important to reduce its amount by eating
apples.
The pectin present in apples also helps reduce
cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion. Also,
the fiber in apples helps prevent the amount of bad
cholesterol present in the blood from rising. This in
turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart
disease.
Now you know all the good reasons why you should
10. Lowers Cholesterol