8 Nutritional Facts About Apples

Apples are not your average fruit. There are so many intrinsic medicinal properties hidden inside them that it would be befitting to describe them as a ‘low-hanging fruit’ – both literally and figuratively because they can reduce the risk of just about any debilitating disease, from the fatalness of cancer to diabetes-induced gangrene.

Everything about apples, from the rawness of their skin to the seeds in their core has a potentially powerful health benefit, giving justice to the term ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. The deliciousness of apple allows them to be eaten on their own, or mixed with several other fruits for a powerful punch of nutrition. This article will discuss some of the more important nutritional facts about apples.

Vitamin C

Apples are high in many vitamins and minerals. But they are better known for storing a rich reservoir of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant that helps drive many important functions in the body.

Potassium

Potassium is an important mineral for improving the structure of bones. Apples are one of the most excellent sources of potassium.

Quercetin

Quercetin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in animals. By increasing the energy expenditure of the body and improving several health markers, Quercetin is responsible for many health benefits and it can be found in apples.

Fiber

Fiber makes it easy for more water to stay in your stools. This makes them softer and larger, this not only helps with bowel movement but also reduces constipation.

Vitamin B1

Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 has many impressive health benefits that include boosting energy production, protecting the nerves against inflammation by enabling proper development of myelin sheaths around them.  They are known for their ability to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s in older patient. Placebo controlled clinical trials have shown that this can happen.

Folic acid

Although apples contain an incredibly small amount of folic acid, you can still receive 4 micrograms of it consuming apples along with their skin. Folic acid has several health benefits, particularly in the case of pregnant women. Folic acid is well known for its help in the development of spinal cord in women.

Calcium

Calcium is vital for bone development in growing children. Studies have shown that cancer protects against colon cancer, high blood pressure and pre-menstrual cramps. Calcium provides round the clock protection to teeth by keeping the jaw bone sturdy and more resistant against invasion from bacteria. A lack of calcium has been linked with loose fitting that allows bacteria to thrive and make things more complicated.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to repair damages in the skin and is even used by doctors to treat many skin conditions. Other benefits of vitamin A include the maintenance of teeth, bones, tissue, and cells. The overall impact of vitamin A to the body’s immune system makes it all the more vital. Deficiency of vitamin A has been attributed as the leading cause of childhood blindness in many countries around the world.

Given the numerous benefits of apples, it is highly recommended to use them as part of a holistic diet.