There is merit to the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" - scientist in Hawaii and Finland have found antioxidants in apples that inhibit the growth of liver and colon cancer cells. They also found that regular consumption of apples decreases the risk of lung cancer. In separate studies, the regular consumption of apples was associated with a decreased risk of asthma and improvement pulmonary health.
Women's Health Study found that consuming high amounts of phytochemicals, also known as flavonoids, reduces a cardiovascular event.
Apples help lower the bad cholesterol due the high content of a type of flavonoid called procyanidin which is a good HDL-cholesterol.
Flavonoids are also known to fight free radicals and might help in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
In Finland, a study of apple consumption was tied to a reduced risk of Type II diabetes.
University of Illinois found that apples boost the immune system. Soluble fiber found in apples can change pro-inflammatory cells into anti-inflammatory cells which promote healing and recovery from infection.
Don't peel the apples... the apple peels contain much of the beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. Remember to wash the fruit under warm water.
Yum-yum
Source: Elana Sandler
