“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is an old Welsh proverb that many of us have heard at some point in our lives. While the saying is not accurate, and leading a healthy lifestyle requires much more than eating this fruit each day; studies have found that apples provide us with several health benefits.
Apples are one of the best foods to include in your diet. They are rich in important components such as quercetin, vitamin C, pectin and more. Studies have associated these substances with several benefits which include:
- Improving neurological health– Quercetin contains two compounds that are known to help reduce cellular death caused by the oxidation and inflammation of neurons.
- Reducing the risk of certain cancers- The American Association for Cancer Research has found that consuming apples rich in flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin can help to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Apple peels contain compounds that promote anti-growth activity in cancer cells that develop in the breast, liver and colon.
- Lowering cholesterol- Fibers found in apples such as pectin are linked to lowering levels of LDL cholesterol.
- Boosting immunity- Apples are a good source of immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamin C.
- Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes- A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that flavonoids such as anthocyanins are associated with lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
While eating apples each day may not keep your doctor away, they can be a key factor in helping you to maintain your health. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce the risk of several diseases and improve overall wellness.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.