Everyone has heard the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”…but why do people say it? The first printed mention of this saying can be found in the February 1866 issue of the publication “Notes and Queries.” The publication printed the proverb like this: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” Nearly 150 years later, variations of this adage are still quoted.
We all know we should eat more fruit. But why are apples so special? Apples have properties that no other fruits have and its benefits have been proven overtime. You will be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. It has been shown over and over that if it’s not simple, easy and fast, people won’t take care of their health. With that in mind, we bring you the top 9 benefits of eating an apple!
1- A Great Source of Vitamin C!
Vitamin C found in apples can help boost your immune system. A lot of people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.
2- Prevent Heart Diseases
The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.
3- Low in Calories
A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple when craving candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since an apple in itself contains sugar, but gives you only ¼ of the calories.
4- Prevent Cancers
Notice the plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.
5- Apples Contain Phenols
The phenols found in all apples can have a double effect on your cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. They prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol which can be deadly.
6- Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So there you have it, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!
7- Protects Your Brain From Brain Disease
This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your brain makes you the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apples have substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
8- Healthier Lungs
A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week have lower respiratory problems, including asthma.
9- They Taste Great!
And not only that, they also come in many flavors and colors. Not in the mood for a green apple? Why not get a red one, or a macintosh! Their taste can vary greatly, but still give you all the apple benefits. Variety is an important element to maintaining your health.
On average, Americans consume around 20 pounds of apples a year, which comes to around 1 apple a week. Unfortunately, while an apple a week is better than nothing, it is nowhere close to being able to extract all the advantages apples have to offer. Eating apples is part of a balanced and healthy diet that will increase your longevity. This month, we challenge you to boost your apple power & incorporate these super fruits into your diet at least 3 times per week!
Fall is just around the corner and what better way to mark the season than with a month filled with apple appreciation? It’s the time of year for freshly-baked apple pies, apple festivals, and of course, Johnny Appleseed’s birthday! Take a trip to a farmer’s market or to an orchard to pick your own apples. Have a party to celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. Serve apple pie and apple juice and plant apple seeds in his honor. Check out these FUN apple resources that are a great partner for any harvest or fall themed activity!
Discover more about the incredible Apple by exploring these additional resources:
Apple Health: Health studies and articles on the health benefits of apples and orchard fruit.
Apple Fun Facts: Fun trivia facts and production history of apples.
PBS Newton’s Apple: All things science!
Apple Resources for your Classroom!
An Apple a Day Fun Activities for All Ages
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