We have all heard the common saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But is that actually true? Can eating apples have a positive impact on your health?
There may be some truth behind this old axiom, after all. In fact, apples provide your body with many benefits, some of which may surprise you. Keep reading for seven facts about apples that will change the way you think about this common fruit.
1. Apple Skin Is Full of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds found in fruits and berries that help your body deal with excesses of free radicals. In short, your body demands a certain balance of free radicals and antioxidants in order to function. But too many free radicals can result in cancer, other illnesses, and even death.
Things that may increase the number of free radicals in your body include cigarette smoking, air pollution, excessive alcohol use, radiation, and an elevated intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. By consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, you help your body protect itself against these harmful intrusions.
And that’s where apples come in! Apple skins have high concentrations of antioxidants like quercetin. Eating an apple a day can help fortify your body and ensure your long-term health.
2. Apples Can Help With Weight Loss
This is one of our favorite apple facts: apples can actually help you with weight loss and weight management.
This is largely because apples are a great source of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full faster and longer while consuming fewer calories.
But in addition to fiber, apples are packed with other useful nutrients and vitamins. This makes them a healthy snack and a great alternative to empty carbohydrates or items high in sugar.
Apples are also used for specific roles in different diets. For an example of how apples help people achieve their weight loss goals, check out this HCG diet.
3. There Are 2,500 Apple Varieties Grown in the USA
The United States grows approximately 2,500 different types of apples! We know you are familiar with some of them: Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Braeburns are some favorites. But most people aren’t aware that there are actually 2,500 different varieties across the country.
But that’s not all. Of all of those 2,500 varieties, only one is native to the United States. The crab apple, sometimes also called the “common apple.”
What’s more, around the world, there are 7,500 different varieties of apples. That’s a lot of different types of pie!
4. Apples Promote Gut Health
The microbiome of our gut is easy to forget about. But it actually impacts a lot of other aspects of our health, including mood, our immune system, etc. And apples can help you improve your gut health.
This is because apples contain something called pectin. Pectin is a prebiotic that feeds good bacteria within your gut.
Pectin is a fiber, so it doesn’t get absorbed into your body when it goes through the small intestine. Instead, it goes into your colon, where it feeds the good bacteria. While it’s there, fiber also transforms into other compounds that get put to use in your body.
5. Apples Help With Acne
Did you know that eating more apples can actually help you in your struggles with acne? And not just that, but apples can help protect your skin against a myriad of other issues.
Apples are full of water (this is why they float) as well as collagen. These two things together help keep your skin moisturized, supple, and healthy. You can eat apples every day, or even apply a juicy slice right onto an affected part of your skin!
Apples also have plenty of B and C vitamins, which are crucial for fighting acne as well as speeding up skin cell production. Apples can also help with skin pigmentation caused by acne scars or other dermal maladies.
If you work more apples into your diet, you’ll have healthier, happier skin before you know it.
6. Apples Are Good for Your Brain
There is a lot of ongoing research looking into how apples may be good for brain function. Some early reports suggest that there may be a tie between apples and cognitive brain health, particularly memory function.
This study found that apples may help preserve acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter in your brain. These neurotransmitters are known to decline as you get older, sometimes resulting in conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease.
While research is still ongoing about how exactly apples are good for your brain, one thing is clear: apples are a necessary addition to your diet!
7. Apples Boost Your Heart Health
As we mentioned earlier, apples are full of fiber. This helps keep your blood cholesterol levels low. The polyphenols in apples may also lower your blood pressure.
Maintaining heart health is an important aspect of longevity. And eating apples can help you take steps toward a healthy heart.
Look for apples that are fresh and unbruised in order to reap maximum benefits. And if you need to extend the shelf life of your apples, stick them in the refrigerator. Refrigerating your apples can make them last up to ten times longer!
Know These Health Facts About Apples
Apples are a common fruit that often gets overlooked. These seven health-minded facts about apples will change that. Once you know how good apples are for you, they may become your favorite snack!
We have a lot more reading material for you about health, healthy eating, and living a sustainable lifestyle. Check out our Weight Loss section for additional advice!