It is apple season and everyone should be excited about that. Not only are apples tasty and crunchy they are loaded with nutrients. There are many health benefits to apples including improved gut health, reduced risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers.
A medium size apple is a good source of fibre (4.8 grams), vitamin C (9.2mg), as well as other vitamins and minerals.
Apples are in all forms of cooking, you can eat them right off the tree, add them to salads, bake them on their own or in pies, and roast them with pork or chicken.
Here is a closer look at their healthy benefits:
Lower High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure:
Apples are a good source of soluble fibre, which helps prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls thereby lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Aid in Digestion:
Apples have both soluble and insoluble fibre and both are important for digestion. Soluble fibre slows down digestion making you feel fuller longer. Insoluble fibre helps move food through your digestive system and aids with constipation to help keep you regular.
Supports a Heathy Immune System:
Apples are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system
Diabetes-Friendly:
An apple’s soluble fibre helps slow the absorption of sugar into the blood stream and may improve blood sugar levels.
Cancer Prevention:
The type of antioxidants in apples may play a role in fighting some forms of cancer (colorectal, oral cavity, esophageal, and breast cancers) by limiting cancer cell growth.
Support Weight Loss:
Due to its high fibre content, apples will help slow digestion and the rise in blood sugar keeping you satiated and less likely to overeat.
Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease:
Apples are high in flavonoids reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Promote Gut Health:
Apples contain a starch called pectin which is a probiotic that helps feed the good bacteria in your gut. Pectin also boosts the immune system, stimulates hormone production, and helps your body absorb certain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Apple Dumplings: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/46232/old-fashioned-apple-dumplings/
Pork and Apples: https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/one-pan-brown-sugar-pork-apples/
Apple Coleslaw: https://www.cookingclassy.com/apple-cranberry-almond-coleslaw/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/
