Health Benefits of Apple

Health Benefits of Apple

    Delicious and crisp apple fruit is notable for its impressive list of phtyto-nutrients and antioxidants. Studies suggest that its components are essential for optimal growth, development and overall well-being.

    Apples are low in calories; 100 g of slices of fresh fruit provide just 50 calories. They, however, do not contain cholesterol or saturated fats. Nevertheless, the fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent the absorption of dietary-LDL or bad cholesterol in the intestine. The fiber also saves the colon mucosa from exposure to toxic substances by binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.

    Apples are rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrients flavonoids and polyphenols. The measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) total of 100 g of apple fruit is 5900 TE. Some of the major flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. In addition, they are also good as tartaric acid which gives sour taste of them. Altogether, these compounds help the body to protect against the deleterious effects of free radicals.

    Apple fruit contains good amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. The consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and cleaning harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

    In addition, apple fruit is a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Together, these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in the metabolism and in various synthetic functions inside the human body.

    Apples also carry a small amount of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure; in this way, counters the bad influences of sodium.