An Apple a Day
October 21, 2019
It’s officially fall, which means it’s prime apple season. We all know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but did you ever wonder what about apples makes them so notoriously good for us?
1. Fiber:
As far as nutrients go, apples are a fantastic source of fiber; one medium-sized apple contains about 3 grams. Fiber is extremely important for digestive health, and it helps fill you up. Apples are rich in pectin, which is specifically a soluble fiber that, in addition to having digestive benefits in reducing constipation, may help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.
2.Vitamins:
Apples are full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that, among many things, boosts our immune systems and is key to making collagen within our bodies. Vitamin C also is quite important in creating some of our hormones and other chemical messengers used by our nervous system.
3. Phytochemicals:
Apples are also chock-full of phytochemicals (aka phytonutrients), chemicals that are naturally-occurring and provide fruits and vegetables with their distinctive hues, flavors, and smells. Apples, specifically, contain the phytochemical quercetin; among the many types of phytonutrients, quercetin is known as a flavonoid and boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. (Note that because different fruits and veggies contain different types of phytochemicals, it’s beneficial to have variety in your diet and truly “eat the rainbow,” in order to obtain a wide array of nutritional benefits.)
Lastly, keep in mind that peeling an apple, like peeling most produce, will significantly reduce its nutritional benefits, as many of the aforementioned nutrients are stored in the skin.
Happy apple-picking!
