The fall is here and you know what that means- it’s apple season! We’ve long known how an apple a day can help keep the doctor away, and now there is scientific proof.
A recent study published in ACS’s Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry indicates apples can actually extend your lifespan by as much as 10%! So why are they so healthy for us?
Apples are loaded with antioxidants that help protect the body against damage by free radicals- these are toxins that can damage the body’s cells such as cigarette smoke, pollutants, and even poor food choices. Out of all foods, apples also contain some of the highest levels of procyanidins, a flavonoids shown to improve vascular health. The highest amount of this flavonoid was found in the Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples.
Apples also contain a high level of quercetin, which is an anti-inflammatory substance that has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. When our body is inflamed, it is easier for plaque to build in our arteries and cause a blockage. By reducing this inflammation, this may help to prevent plaque buildup and in turn prevent heart disease. Quercetin has also been shown to help prevent fat cells from expanding, especially around the waistline, which may help prevent accumulation of visceral fat, the most dangerous form of fat!
So not only do they taste great, but apples may protect your heart, shrink your waistline, and help you live a longer and healthier life! So dig in!
