Are Apples Good For You?

Are apples good for you, you ask? Of course they are! Here's a look into the many health benefits of apples and all that they can do for your body.
As clichéd as the adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away may sound to you, you ought to understand that there is a reason why it came into being in the first place. Apples offer a host of benefits because they are packed with immense nutrition, and when consumed regularly, can help prevent a lot of health problems your body may be prone to developing. Here, we take a look at the frequently asked questions about apples and help you answer all your queries regarding the benefits of apples.

Apples Help Weight Loss
One of the lesser known facts about apples is that it aids in weight loss. Simply consume an apple before every meal to reduce your appetite. With its rich fiber content, apples keep you fuller for longer and function as natural appetite suppressants. Want to get rid of that flab? Eat three apples a day! Combine this with some amount of exercise and a minor change in your diet for the better, and see how you lose those pounds.

Apples are Great for Your Teeth
There are mixed opinions regarding this query due to various studies conducted on the nutritional value of apples and the effect they have on teeth. One study says chewing the apple with the skin works as a natural stain remover for teeth so that they remain white. Also, apples have an acid content that prevents bacteria from thriving in the mouth. Another study, on the other hand, says that this acid content when consumed in excess can erode the enamel of the teeth. Also, fruits are known to contain natural sugars that are often harmful for the teeth leading to decay. It is important that you brush your teeth after eating apples, particularly at night so that it does not harm your teeth. However, apples consumed in moderation are great for the teeth and strengthens the jaw because of the chewy skin.

Apples Benefit the Heart
Studies have revealed that consuming apples regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease and even lower cholesterol levels that lead to heart problems. Apples contain flavonoids that are helpful in fighting off such heart problems. Moreover, their fiber content along with pectin, a compound found just under the apple skin, helps reduce the bad cholesterol in the body and keeps the blood flowing without any trouble, to keep you fit and healthy.

Apples Help Keep Illnesses at Bay
Apples consist of a compound known as quercetin that functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are helpful in fighting free radicals that may lead to the development of disorders of the brain such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This ability of apples also makes a great preventive food against various types of cancer such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Apples are Great for the Bones
Yes! Perhaps one of the lesser known health benefits of this fruit, apples help strengthen the bones so that women who are prone to developing osteoporosis post menopause are at a lower risk. Moreover, apples also help in healthy bone development of younger children. With compounds such as boron and Phlorizin (a flavonoid found only in apples), this miraculous fruit helps to keep the bones healthy.

Apples Give you Great-looking Skin
Eating fruits is always great for your skin, and particularly so when you eat apples. There are numerous vitamins in apples such as vitamin A and vitamin C that are great for the skin. Since apples have an acid content they function as natural astringents to give you flawless, glowing skin. Working as miraculous anti-aging agents, apples also help improve your skin's elasticity and keeps it glowing.

Are you still confused about whether apples are good for you? It is impossible not to include this simple fruit in your diet in various ways. There are also numerous benefits of consuming apple juice but it is always better to eat the apple in its whole form because of the benefits that are offered by the skin. This is the best way to include this fruit in your diet and reap all the benefits apples have to offer.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.
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Published: 2/16/2011
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