It’s no secret that apples offer an abundance of nutrients. We’ve all heard the saying “eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away” - but what exactly is it about apples that makes them so darn good!? Here are 4 reasons why you should eat an apple a day:
Look after your heart
Did you know that research from the Nutritional Journal found that those who regularly consume apples have a lower risk of developing heart disease? This is because apples contain a type of fibre called soluble fibre, which helps to absorb and remove cholesterol from your body. For this reason, apples have been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
Keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy
One apple contains a whopping 4g of dietary fibre, which is 13-16% of the recommended daily intake. The high fibre content of apples makes them a great snack, as it helps to slow down digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. The soluble and insoluble fibre in apples also helps to add bulk and keep our bowel movements regular.
Fend off disease
Almost all fruits and vegetables contain a vast array of antioxidants, which help to protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals - a process called oxidation. Whilst oxidation is a natural process that occurs with aging, you can help reduce the amount of oxidation that occurs in your bodies by eating foods rich in antioxidants. Therefore to reduce your risk of infection and developing chronic disease, eat an apple a day! Remember that most of the benefits of apples, including the antioxidants, are found within the skin - so be sure to eat the apple whole (instead of peeling the skin).
Improve blood glucose control
A handful of the nutrients found in apples actually work together to help keep your blood glucose levels stable. Apples have a low GI, which means the natural sugars found in apples are slowly absorbed, releasing sustained energy over time, helping you to feel full and therefore eat less.
Our favourite ways to eat apples:
- On-the-go snack (remember to eat the skin!)
- The Biting Truth’s Pear, Apple and Oat Muffins
- Chopped up with some greek yoghurt and cinnamon
- Apples slices with peanut butter
- With a slice of cheddar cheese on wholegrain crackers
- Add to salad
