Apples are a healthy, fiber-rich snack. But they have other benefits that may surprise you. From warding off cancer to easing muscle soreness after a workout, there’s no end to what apples can do for your health. Here are eight surprising health benefits of apples:
1. Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps prevent constipation.
2. They help prevent heart disease and stroke, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Apples are rich in quercetin and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
3. Apples contain phloridzin, which prevents the breakdown of sugar in the mouth and promotes better absorption of sugar from food into the bloodstream.
4. They help fight cancer because apples contain antioxidant flavonoids such as catechins and chlorogenic acid that lower your risk of developing cancer by killing free radicals in your body.
5. Raw apples contain an enzyme called apple polyphenol oxidase (APO) that is deactivated when cooked or processed, so consider eating more apples raw to benefit from APO’s anti-inflammatory properties.
6. They Can Help You Lose Weight. In order to lose weight, we need to boost metabolism while reducing calorie intake. Apples contain both pectin and soluble fiber which help with satiety and make you feel fuller for longer. They are a great food for weight loss because they make you feel full without adding lots of calories to your diet.
7. Apples promote healthy teeth and gums. The antibacterial properties in apples make them helpful for preventing cavities and gum disease. Apples contain malic acid, which lowers the risk of tooth decay by remineralizing enamel and strengthening tooth enamel.
8. Apples boost heart health. Apples contain flavonoids (especially quercetin), which help protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation throughout the body—especially the lining of blood vessels.
