An apple a day keeps the doctor away

You may be familiar with the old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, but is there really a link between eating apples and general good health? Apples are extremely rich in antioxidants that help to protect our cells from free radical damage caused by factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays and even inflammation within the body, often as a result of a poor diet or some medications. Apples also contain dietary fiber needed to support a healthy digestive system, as well as vitamins A and C that support the immune system, vitamin K needed for blood clotting, biotin (vitamin B7) that helps to break down fat, and iodine which is involved in healthy thyroid function. Apples contain pectin, a natural fiber found in most plants. Some recent research by the European Journal of Nutrition found that eating pectin-rich whole apples had a cholesterol-lowering effect in healthy volunteers, compared to apple juice which did not. Apples are low on the glycemic index thanks to their fiber content. This, together with their high flavonoid content, may help to improve insulin sensitivity, which is important both for weight management and preventing diabetes.

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