Apples are available year-round at any grocery store, so I’m going to share some reasons to eat apples that will have you filling your cart with the little fruit gems right away. Whether you like red, green or yellow apples, they are chock full of health benefits that complement their delicious flavor. No matter which of the reasons to eat apples you care about most, there’s really no excuse not to grab some next time you shop.
Ever heard that old phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Well, a large reason why this is true is because apples contain loads of fiber. This nutrient helps regulate digestion, which translates to regularity and a healthy intestinal system. Fiber is also great for appetite control, which means an apple can stave off hunger and keep you from grabbing a candy bar between meals. Controlling your hunger means you can keep your weight healthy, which means fewer trips to the doctor. Fiber is one of the best reasons to eat apples all the time.
If you’re watching your weight, apples are an ideal snack because they are very low in calories. The bottom line when it comes to weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. If you grab an apple instead of a bag of chips when you get hungry, your chances of success are much better. That sounds to me like a good enough reason to eat apples every day!
Another reason why apples keep the doctor away: they offer heart health protection. The fiber in apples helps control your cholesterol, which helps protect against the development of heart disease. For some people, apples can even lower cholesterol levels. Apples also help control plaque buildup in your arteries, which dramatically reduces your chances of having a heart attack. Because heart disease is the number one killer of women, I’d strongly recommend having an apple today, and every day!
Antioxidants, which are available to some extent in all types of fruits and vegetables, are important because they fight free radical damage and offer all kinds of disease prevention. Most notable is quercetin. It might be hard to say, but it doesn’t matter because quercetin gives your immune system a boost and keeps you healthy.
Maybe you’ve heard of detox diets. I certainly have, but I continue to be skeptical. It turns out doctors back me up. A healthy liver is perfectly able to keep toxins out of your body without any weird drinks or powders. Apples aid in the process and don’t have a yucky taste or texture.
Remember those antioxidants I mentioned before? They offer eye health benefits and may even prevent cataracts. You probably don’t have to worry about it now, but getting your daily dose of apples while you’re young could mean you don’t have to deal with cataracts down the road.
An apple isn’t going to magically make you able to exercise if you haven’t done so in awhile. However, an apple can help make oxygen more accessible to your lungs, which can improve your endurance. They don’t replace any asthma medications you must take, but an apple could make your next workout a bit easier to finish. I can’t think of anything better than that!
My favorite apple is a Granny Smith. What variety is your go-to pick? Did you know that apple cider vinegar is good for your hair and your skin? Add it to your beauty routine when you add apples to your diet and you’ll be feeling and looking better in no time.