The apple is very good for health. This fruit has beneficial effects on cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, says the famous English proverb. And he wasn’t wrong. According to cleveland clinic, located in the United States, the fruit has many health benefits. “Apples are popular for a reasonsays dietitian Amber Sommer. They are easy to eat on the go and taste delicious. But what most people don’t know is that eating them regularly can dramatically improve your health.”
On the one hand, the fruit is low in calories: there are approximately 60 calories per apple. But it also contains antioxidants, fiber and water. All this makes the fruit beneficial to health, expert Amber Sommer cites seven good reasons to eat apples.
Apple stabilizes blood sugar
“When you eat sugary, processed foods like donuts, the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your blood increasesexplains Amber Sommer. But when you eat foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar, like apples, it keeps your glucose levels stable..” But high blood sugar, that is to say the amount of glucose in the blood, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. This chronic disease can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. myocardium. study showed that people who eat more than one apple a day have a 28% reduced risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes, compared to people who do not eat apples.
Apple lowers cholesterol
The fruit also has benefits for cholesterol levels. According to various scientific studies, the daily consumption of apples can lower this rate by approximately 5 to 8%. “High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease because it clogs your arteries, limiting blood flow to your heart, recalls Amber Sommer. But the antioxidants and fiber in apples are a winning combo to help lower that rate.” According to the specialist, these benefits are linked to pectin, one of the fibers present in apples, capable of binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract and eliminating it.
Apple lowers blood pressure
The fruit is also beneficial against blood pressure. An Australian study has shown that eating apples helps lower blood pressure. According to various researches, the antioxidants and fibers contained in the apple and in its skin have positive effects on blood circulation. However, high blood pressure corresponds to high pressure in the blood vessels and increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Apple relieves inflammation
The apple also has anti-inflammatory properties. The fibers it contains and quercetin, an antioxidant, reduce inflammation in the body, especially when it is chronic. “Study of 1,600 young adults suggests eating apples and pears may protect against developing asthmaadds the dietitian.
The apple boosts the microbiota
Quercetin also has positive effects on the microbiota, the microorganisms present in the intestine. It prevents harmful pathogens from growing. Conversely, pectin is like a prebiotic, food for beneficial microorganisms, which promotes good gut health.
The apple appeases hunger in a lasting way
“Because apples are high in water and fiber, they make a hearty snackunderlines Amber Sommer. Fiber helps slow digestion, so you feel full longerThe low amount of calories (on average 54 grams per 100 grams) present in the fruit also helps make it a healthy snack.
The apple helps us to live old
The apple would also be a good food for longevity. A 2016 study proved that participants who ate an apple a day were 35% less likely to die within fifteen years. More concretely, the apple can reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease, which are frequent causes of death.
Apples, which can be picked from July for the earliest and until November for the latest, therefore have multiple positive effects on health. Moreover, this fruit is easy to find, inexpensive and can be stored easily throughout the year. On the other hand, it is better to eat whole, raw and unpeeled apples, rather than processed ones. Compotes, juices and ciders do not offer the same benefits to the body.
