An Apple a Day…

Everyone agrees apples are an easy choice for an on-the-go, healthy snack. Few people know how amazingly nutritious apples really are. Apples are chocked full of dynamic nutrients with funny names such as Lutein, Thiamin, Beta Carotene, Niacin and Pantothenic Acid.

  • Beta Carotene – .27g
  • Calcium – 6mg
  • Carbohydrates – 13.8g
  • Energy – 52kcal
  • Fat – .17g
  • Folate (Vitamin B9) – .03mg
  • Iron – .12mg
  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin – .03mg
  • Magnesium – 5mg
  • Manganese – .035mg
  • Niacin – .091mg
  • Riboflavin – .026mg
  • Thiamin – .017mg
  • Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) – .061mg
  • Phosphorus – 11mg
  • Potassium – 107 mg
  • Protein .26g
  • Vitamin C – 4.6mg
  • Vitamin B – .041mg
  • Vitamin E – .18mg
  • Vitamin K – .02 mg

Apple with heart shape in itImproving neurological health

A 2006 study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that helped to reduce cellular death that is caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons.

Another study presented at the same conference and published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggested that apple juice consumption may increase the production in the brain of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory among mice who have Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.

Lowering levels of bad cholesterol

A group of researchers at The Florida State University stated that apples are a “miracle fruit”.

They found that older women who ate apples everyday had 23% less bad cholesterol (LDL) and 4% more good cholesterol (HDL) after just six months.

Mom slicing apple

Reducing your risk of diabetes

Apples could also help lower your risk of diabetes. A study involving 187,382 people found that people who ate three servings per week of apples, grapes, raisins, blueberries or pears had a 7% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not.

Warding off breast cancer

There is growing evidence suggesting that an apple a day may help prevent breast cancer, according to a series of studies conducted by prominent Cornell researcher Rui Hai Liu.

Liu said her research adds to “the growing evidence that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, including apples, would provide consumers with more phenolics, which are proving to have important health benefits. I would encourage consumers to eat more and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily.”