Apples – Doing a lot more than keeping the doctor away!!

We all know the rhyme about apples, it was most likely one of the first pieces of nutritional advice we received as children. But these small pieces of fruit do more than stop us lining our doctors pockets. Apples are one of the best and most readily available superfood’s on the planet, and they have a huge array of health benefits that you may be unaware.

Here are some of apples hidden health treasures:-

1. A medium sized apple contains around 4 grams of soluble fiber which is roughly 17% of recommended daily intake. This fiber is important for digestive health, cancer prevention and helps in controlling blood sugar levels.

2. Fiber makes you feel fuller, for longer and therefore can assist in weight loss. A study in Brazil found that women who consumed an apple before a meal, lost 33% more weight than those who didn’t.

3. Apple pectin is a powerful anti-oxidant which has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion. These lowered cholesterol levels have been linked to less incidence of stroke and heart disease.

4. An apple has around 80-90 calories and contains no fat or sodium.

5. Eating 5 apples per week has been shown to reduce the risk of asthma and other respiratory problems.

6. Apples can help you to exercise for longer. Studies have shown that consuming an apple prior to exercise can help you perform endurance activities for longer. This is attributed to an antioxidant in apples called quercitin, which aids endurance by making more oxygen available to your lungs.

7. Apples improve skin health and can lower risk of skin disease. Granny smith and red delicious apples have been shown to contain collagen and elastin which are great for keeping skin youthful.

8. Apples contain Procyanidin B2 which has been proven to prevent cell and tissue damage, prevent wrinkles and skin aging and promote hair growth.

9. Apples contain potassium which is important for heart health and muscle contractions.

10. A medium apple contains roughly 11mg of calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our body and contributes to bone strength, muscle contraction and metabolic function.

11. Apples contain vitamin A and C, folate, iron and phosphorous. All of these compounds are required in large amounts in our body to ensure proper immune function, metabolism and cell reproduction.

When eating apples, be sure to leave the skin on, as this is where the majority of these amazing antioxidants are found.

Apples are a simple food to eat and they pack so many different health benefits. Next time you are in the supermarket don’t walk past the fruit section without grabbing some of these amazing little fruits.

Drew