Grannie Smith, Fiji, Honey crisp and Pink Ladies- these are just a few of the amazing varieties of apples that are starting to flood the stores and Farmer’s Markets right now. I feel blessed to live in a state that produces an abundance of these balls of healthiness. Here are some of the reasons I believe the adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”.
- Filled with fiber: Apples are an excellent source of fiber to help you stay full longer and keep your digestion system regular. The high fiber is also an effective “broom” to help sweep out LDL (bad) cholesterol. On average a small apple has only 77 calories and 3.6 grams of fiber.
- Improves gut health: Apples contain prebiotics (the food for the “good” bacteria in our guts). Eating apples has been shown to increase the beneficial bacteria in our guts, important for immunity, mental health and regularity.
- Good for teeth and gum health: Their high fiber content helps clean teeth and the actual eating of the apple stimulates saliva production, decreasing the ability of bacteria to grow on your teeth.
- High in vitamin C: Apples are high in Vitamin C (roughly 10% of your daily needs). Vitamin C is important for the immune system, helps protect against free radical damage and it helps your body absorb iron.
- Combats Diabetes: Research has shown that people who regularly consume apples have about a 23% lower risk of developing diabetes than people who do not eat apples.
- Cancels cancer: Apples high antioxidant content has been shown to be effective in the fight against breast, skin, prostate and colorectal cancers.
Not only do I love apples for all their health benefits but their versatility is amazing. Whether you like them in sweet or savory dishes or just raw, right from the Farmer’s Market, be sure to eat your fill of this health boosting food.
Photo from flickr.
