You may already know the familiar saying, Eating an apple a day helps the doctor stay away from you. Although the phrase was first coined in 1913, it is based on a Pembrokeshire saying that originated in 1866.
Notes and Queries is the first magazine to publish a quotation of this tragic sentence: "Eat an apple before bed, and you will prevent the doctor from getting your spleen".
Although research shows that eating more apples is not really associated with less see-ups, adding apples to your diet can help improve some aspects of your health.
Apples are very nutritious
Apples contain many important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. An apple provides the following nutrients for the body:
Calorie: 95
Carbs: 25 grams
Fiber: 4.5 grams
Vitamin C: 9% daily value (DV)
Gold: 5% DV
Potassium: 4% DV
Vitamin K: 3% DV
In particular, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals and protect against disease. Apples are also a great source of antioxidants like quercetin, caffeic acid and epicatechin.
Supports cardiovascular health
Studies show that eating more apples can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, including heart disease. Flavonoids found in apples are compounds that reduce inflammation and protect heart health.
Apples are also rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Apples contain anti-cancer compounds
Apples contain several compounds that can help prevent the formation of cancer, including antioxidants and flavonoids. According to many studies, eating apples regularly helps reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
Another study shows that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can protect against stomach, colon, lung, oral cavity and esophagus cancers.
Other health benefits
- Apples help support weight loss because the fiber content in apples promotes satiety, reduces calories and increases weight loss.
- Eating more apples helps increase bone mineral density, reduce the risk of osteoporosis; Reduces the risk of asthma; Prevent mental decline and slow down signs of aging.
- Reduces the risk of diabetes. According to research by scientists, eating one apple a day helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 28%, compared to not eating any apples.
