An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

We’ve all heard this saying a million times throughout our lives, and if you’re like most, you probably think it was just made up to get kids to eat more healthy fruits. While that very well could be, there is plenty about eating the unpretentious little apple each day that can give your health a major boost. Keep reading to find out just how an apple a day can help you stay healthy.

Vitamins are Amazing
Apples contain lots of vitamins, and we all know how great vitamins are for our health. A single apple provides vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and magnesium. A single apple can provide up to 14% of the RDA for vitamin C, which gives your immune system a boost. Additionally, vitamin C is also good for your skin, helping you have that healthy glow.

Flavonoids
Apples are high in flavonoids, which are antioxidants called polyphenols. Plenty of research has found that eating foods high in flavonoids can have a major impact on your risk of heart disease. They help to increase the amount of good cholesterol in the body, while decreasing the bad. In fact, one UK study found that apples also contain enough statins to help prevent over 8,000 deaths caused by vascular problems – without the unwanted side effects of popularly prescribed statin drugs that are used to lower cholesterol levels.

Cancer Protection
Apples contain a number of antioxidants, which have been found to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The phytochemicals and antioxidants in apples have been shown to prevent oxidative cell damage that can lead to cancer, stop the start and growth of cancer tumors, and even help to kill cancerous cells. These benefits alone are enough to make the apple a great option for everyone.

Healthy Snacking
Apples are fruit, and like most others, they are pretty darn healthy. Apples also contain their own natural sugars, which can do wonders for those who are craving a sugary, overly processed snack. Rather than reaching for that candy, grab an apple and you’ll consume considerably less calories, and increase the vitamins and minerals in your diet. As an added bonus, the sugar content often hits the spot, helping you to avoid giving in to those cravings.

Brain Food
Apples are also great for your brain. They contain phytonutrients that have been found to keep the brain healthy, which helps with memory. There are also indications that these nutrients can even help prevent the damage caused by Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

Better Teeth
Munching on an apple helps to get rid of unhealthy bacteria on your teeth, helping you to prevent tooth decay. While the apple is certainly no substitute for a tooth brush, grabbing an apple can be a great way to help cut down the sugary build up from sodas and other foods.

Apples are delicious, and there are many different varieties to keep things interesting. Do your health a favor, and start making sure you eat an apple a day.