We’ve all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Well, there is a good reason that we’ve all heard that phrase, and that’s because it’s true. Apples are loaded with fiber and phytonutrients that function as antioxidants. Eating at least one apple a day can provide an astonishing number of health benefits.

Apples protect you from cancer

Studies show that people who eat a lot of apples have a 50% lower risk of contracting lung cancer. This may be due to high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin which are both found in apples. Studies on rats show a 17% less risk of breast cancer in rats which ate an apple a day, 39% reduced risk in rats which ate 3 apples per day, and a reduced risk of 44% in rats which ate 6 apples per day. Rats showed a 43% lower risk of colon cancer and a 57% lower risk of liver cancer when fed an extract from apple skins.

Apples lower cholesterol and help you lose weight

It’s been shown that women who eat 3 apples or pears per day while dieting tend to lose more weight than those on the same diet without the apples. Eating two apples a day can lower your cholesterol by up to 16% thanks to pectin, which lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).

Apples prevent asthma

Mothers who eat a lot of apples while pregnant give birth to children with lower rates of asthma than those who do not eat many apples. Children who drink apple juice every day also have lower rates of asthma and have healthier respiratory systems. Eating 2 apples has even been reported to cure mild asthma attacks and prevent attacks from occurring in the first place. So if your lungs are feeling heavy, chow down a couple of apples and get instant relief!

Apples are good for diabetics

The soluble fibers in apples help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent a sudden increase or drop in sugar levels.

Apples make your bones strong

Boron, a natural element found in apples helps to strengthen bones. And a flavanoid called phloridzin that is only found in apples may increase the density of bones. According to some French researchers, phloridzin may also prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

Some interesting facts about apples:

  • Apples are 25% air by volume. (that’s why they float)
  • The more apples you eat, the lower your risk of developing lung cancer
  • China grows the most apples
  • There are over 7500 types of apples
  • The only native apple tree in North America is the crabapple tree
  • There are about 80 calories in the average apple
  • Most people eat about 65 apples a year

Wash your apples

You should always wash your apples before eating them, especially if they are not certified organic apples, because there is usually pesticide residue and other potential contaminants on the skin of your apples. Pesticide residue or other toxins may increase your risk of disease so always rinse your apples before eating or cooking with them.

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