Why Are Apples Good For You?

There are many benefits associated with apples and apple juice. Apples are a great source of several micro-nutrients, vitamins, and moisture. They provide fiber and pectin, both with help keep our bodies running efficiently and in good health.  Eating apples can help you feel full and contribute to your weight loss goals.

Apples are a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber comes in the form of pectin which helps control the buildup of cholesterol in the lining of your blood vessel walls, thereby reducing your risk for heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Insoluble fiber on the other hand provides the bulk needed by the intestinal tract. It holds water for cleansing and sweeps food effectively through your system.

The pectin contained in apples is also considered a heart protector since it helps to reduce blood cholesterol, brings blood pressure at normal levels, and regulates the body’s blood sugar. Thus, part of the answer to why are apples good for you is that they are good for your heart.

Even the juice from apples can fight viruses and infections as it acts as a liver toner and blood purifier. Apple is also known to combat illnesses such as constipation, arthritis, jaundice, diarrhea, skin eruptions, lymphatic system disorders, and anemia.

Eating Apples

It is better to consume apples with their skin on. About half of their Vitamin C content is found underneath its skin. Consuming the skin will also increase your intake of insoluble fiber. Most fragrance cells of apples are found on the skin and when they begin to ripen, these cells will have a more concentrated flavor and taste.

Weight Loss

If you really are planning to lose a few pounds or to maintain your current weight, try consuming three apples a day. Begin each meal with an apple so that you will immediately feel full and will naturally eat lesser during meals. You can even snack on them in between your meals. Alternatively, you can also drink apple juice to stop feeling those hunger pangs.

Apples also make a perfect snack for dieters. Because of its fiber content, apples help you feel full quicker and longer thereby preventing you from binging on other food. You can eat them anytime during the day and feel guilt-free because of its minimal calories without being short of those precious nutrients.

Healing Illness

According to some studies, including apples in your regular diet may help reduce the development of certain illnesses such as cancer of the lungs, prostate, and colon. Apples also promote quicker recovery time for heart disease and cholesterol problems.

Apple also has a variety of chemicals which help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such senile dementia and Alzheimer’s. Phenolics, which are the antioxidants found in apples, protect the nerve cells from neurotoxicity.

Cosmetic Benefits

Aside from the health benefits, apples also have some cosmetic properties. Apples are slightly acidic and, because of this astringent property, they make an ideal product form cleaning and whitening the teeth. The acid content of an apple is not capable alone of giving you your set of pearly whites though. It needs the support of the apple’s fiber rich, and juicy flesh.

Crunchy produce such as carrots, celery, and apples, are like natural toothbrushes when they are chewed in your mouth. Their crunchy parts help scrub the stains off your teeth. Don’t expect your teeth to whiten in a day. The process will take a while.