Health Benefits of Apple – Liver , Asthma , Diabetes , Stroke and Cancer Prevention

1. Apples lower your risk of stroke

According to a study conducted by Dutch researchers, people who consumed 171 grams of apple a day were 52% less likely to suffer from stroke compared to those who consumed 78 grams or lesser. So, gorge on an apple a day and lower your chances of suffering from stroke.

2. Curb all sorts of cancers

Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

3. Decrease your risk of diabetes

Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.

4. Provides Healthier Heart

Apples are a rich source of phytonutrients known as quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acids that help protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative damage. Oxidation is involved in plaque buildup that leads to different types of heart disease.

The pectin present in apples also helps lower bad cholesterol levels and prevent cholesterol from solidifying and blocking artery walls, which reduces blood flow to the heart. University of California researchers found that eating two apples or drinking 12 ounces of apple juice daily is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease

5. Apples help with weight loss

Eating an apple before having a meal, acts as a wonderful way to lose weight. Apart from containing just 50-80 calories, an apple does not have any fat or sodium. Additionally, eating an apple makes you feel full due to its high fibre content. A Brazilian study even found that women, who ate apples before their meals, lost 33% more weight than women who didn’t eat the fruit.

6. Detoxify your liver

We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits—like apples.

7. Boost your immune system

Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you’re stressed out.

8. Strengthens Bones

It is a known fact that calcium is the most essential nutrient for strong bones and apples are a good source of concentrated calcium.

Apples also contain antioxidants that help strengthen bone density and a compound known as boron that strengthens bones as well as prevents fractures. Plus, the flavonoid known as phloridzin present in apples plays a key role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially among post-menopausal women.

9. Apples help you exercise better

A lot of people are confused as to what they should eat before exercising. Eating an apple can be a great option. It has been shown that apples boost endurance by making more oxygen available to the lungs.

10. Prevents Asthma

A British study found that people who ate two to five apples a week had a 32 percent lower risk of suffering from asthma compared to people who ate fewer apples. This is mainly due to the flavonoids found in apples that help calm inflammation in the airways.

Also, apples contain phenolic acids that make it easier for a person with asthma to breathe freely, reducing the need for breathing treatments.