9 Proven Health Benefits Of Apples (#6 Will Surprise You)

image

Red, yellow and green, apples come in over 7500 different varieties, giving you plenty of choice for the world’s healthiest food. Whether you eat them crisp and raw, or slice them into fruit salads and dessert, or whether you decide to bake them or eat them in tangy dry loops, apples are always available for a stunning health kick and a burst of refreshing flavor.

Here are 9 surprising health benefits of eating at least an apple a day:

  1. THEY ARE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF FIBER

Just one medium apple and its beautifully washed skin will give you over 17% of your daily recommended amount of dietary fiber. Fiber benefits your digestive health tremendously, helping to keep bowel movements regular and activating the digestive juice and gastric juices that help to breakdown food for nutrient absorption. It also helps to cleanse your colon, scraping away excess fat, cholesterol and built up residues, giving you the feeling of being happier, healthier and totally refreshed, from the inside out.

  1. THEY SUPPORT YOUR DENTAL CARE EFFORTS

Both the skin and the flesh of apples are highly beneficial in dental care, as they work together to cleanse out bacteria, plaque and acidic buildup. Chewing a chunk of apple stimulates the secretion of saliva, which alkalizes your mouth and leaves bacteria no option to thrive. An apple a day keeps the dentist away!

  1. THEY DEFEND YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Apples are packed with fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and mineral which all work together to keep your heart strong and healthy. They contain a rich source of soluble fiber known as pectin, which has been proven to assist in lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, leaving your arteries clean and strong. Apple flesh contains powerful antioxidants, which helps to reduce the oxidation of fats and to neutralize the pressure in blood vessels. The skin contains quercetin, which is a superior flavonoid that alleviates inflammation in the cardiovascular system. There’s every reason to eat apples if you want a strong and healthy heart- take your pick!

  1. THEY HELP YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT

Studies have revealed that apples are incredible metabolism boosters, which means that whatever you consume will be burned off that much quicker instead of packing on in your reserves. One apple contains less than 100 calories, but plenty of fiber and natural sugar, which means that you will feel fuller for longer, and keep your sweet tooth at bay. Apple skins also contain a unique compound known as ursolic acid which has been proven to reduce the risk of obesity by stimulating brown fat and muscle growth. This will definitely boost your caloric burn, leaving you slimmer and healthier while licking your lips.

  1. THEY IMPROVE LUNG FUNCTION AND REDUCE ASTHMA

Studies about an apple’s remarkable ability to reduce the symptoms and severity of asthma are still underway, but what’s for certain is that they most certainly do assist those with breathing difficulties! Many have pointed this healing effect to the powerful flavonoid known as quercetin, which is located in the skin of every apple and has been linked to significantly improving lunch function. Apples also contain wonderful and powerful anti inflammatory compounds which help to keep your breathing crisp and your lungs light and fluffy. Many asthma sufferers have started to supplement their natural healing with apples, and have reported to feel dramatic relief.

  1. THEY INCREASE YOUR CONCENTRATION SPAN

Many studies have shown that eating an apple in the morning will wake you up more than a cup of coffee, and this is due to an apple’s effect on your brain. Apples not only eliminate harmful free radicals from your body, leaving you looking younger and stronger, but they also offer powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients which boost brain power. A certain chemical in your brain known as acetylcholine is responsible for your level of concentration, memory retention and problem solving, and apples naturally stimulate it. Eating apples more regularly have also been linked to reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease an Parkinson’s.

  1. THEY COMBAT COMMON COLDS

One apple gives you 15% of your recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, which makes it an immune boosting and cold fighting must have. The quercetin and antioxidants found in the skin and flesh of apples aid in fortifying your strongest soldiers and give germs no chance to kick you back into bed. 500 milliliters of apple juice offers only 6% of your daily needs of Vitamin C, which means that raw, fresh apples are your best bet when you’re fighting off colds or trying to give your immune system some support.

  1. THEY HELP TO BALANCE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Apples might be sweet to the taste, but they are excellent sources of blood balancing nutrition, even for Diabetes sufferers. They contain polyphenols, which are compounds that lower glucose absorption and increase the quality of carbohydrate absorption in your colon. They also stimulate the insulin receptors of the cells in your body, which helps to send sugar right to your vital organs where it’s needed most instead of lingering around in your blood stream. The high volume of dietary fiber also prevents any blood sugar disruptions, working with the carbohydrates and nutrients to give your body optimum nutrition without any negative side effects.

  1. THEY GIVE YOU STRENGTH WHEN YOU FEEL WEAK

Apples give a refreshing jolt to even the weakest of patients, which is why many hospital meals include apple slices! The powerful antioxidants combined with the purified water found in apple flesh helps to detoxify your entire system, as well as giving you a cool, crisp feeling from your lips to your toes. Apples are also an alkalizing food source, which means that germs, bacteria and even cancer cells will not be able to thrive, as well as offering you energy, vitality and vigor for faster recovery from illness.

 

Sources:

http://healthyhubb.com/12-incredible-health-benefits-of-apples/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/

 

More Posts By Author Sophie Robinson.

 

Sophie Robinson
Sophie growing up was told by multiple doctors her chronic sinusitis would never subside. Healthy eating, daily exercise and yoga completely cured her and transformed her life. Sophie is now extremely passionate about all things related to health and fitness. She is a fulltime blogger and content contributor at HealthyHubb.com