January 31 – They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. You have probably heard this expression before, which indicates that this humble fruit plays an important role in your diet and good health! From mothers everywhere to school teachers the world over, everyone preaches this statement like it’s the gospel of truth. But is it really true? Can eating an apple a day keep the doctor away? Let’s see what science has to say about this.
According to a study from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom—done along with the scientists at Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) Institute in Italy—the polyphenol and fibre in apples have the potential to reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein, also known as bad cholesterol). LDL builds up in the arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Not only this, according to the Nurses’ Health Study—which is an epidemiological study that has been going on since 1976 in the United States—those who consumed an apple daily protect themselves against lung cancer as well as cardiovascular diseases.
But what makes apples so nutritious and healthy?
Apple is very rich in antioxidant plant compounds including quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic—all of which have a plethora of health benefits. And despite being high in carbs and sugar, the glycemic index of this fruit is low, which moderates the body’s blood sugar level. This means people with diabetes can also eat apples.
Apples also contain fibre, which promotes gut health by boosting the digestive system. It is rich in vitamin C as well, along with potassium and minerals.
Here are some other health benefits of apples
The various health benefits of apples make us believe that perhaps this fruit is the greatest gift nature could bestow on us. After all, research associates regular consumption of apples with a lower risk of several chronic diseases like heart attack, stroke, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and many more.
Thanks to the flavonoids in apples, you can also be safe from the ill-effects of inflammation in the body. Add to that the glorious fact that apple is a weight loss-friendly fruit, which can keep you fuller for long.
