Top 3 Reasons Why an Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

These top 3 reasons why an apple a day (or more) can keep you from the doctor. It is incredible what the nutritional benefits an apple can do for you.

Did you know: Apples are a great source of antioxidants;
and: Apples are very heart healthy;
also: Apples are high in fiber

Your mom used to say: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". And there are reasons for this.

First, the USDA recommends eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (along with cardio activity) to promote a healthier lifestyle. Second, The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we eat more fruits and vegetables than any other food group. And third, the Center of Disease Control (CDC) states that fruit intake is critical to good health.

We can go on and on, fourth, fifth,... twentieth, with who said what and why. But the bottom line is - you need to eat fruits and vegetables on a daily basis (at least 5 to 9 servings) in order to stay healthy. What's an apple? That's right - it's a fruit!

So when you compare people who do not eat a portion of fruits and vegetables as part of their daily diet to those who eat a more generous amount (as part of a well balanced diet), the people who eat more fruits and vegetables are likely to see an increase in heath benefits.

That being said, fruits and vegetables keep you healthy. And keeping you healthy means: fewer trips to the doctor. Which backs up the age-old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

But to give more validation to why you should eat apples, here are the Top 3 reasons apples are so good for you:

1. Apples are a great source of antioxidants.

Apples are a natural source of phytonutrients, and antioxidants. The flavanoids found in apples are known for their high antioxidant activity and antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of your healthy, functioning cells.

Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet is essential to maintaining good health.

In plain English: Antioxidants help fight free radicals which fight inflammation. 90% of all diseases are due to inflammation. Therefore, apples helps your body fight diseases!

2. Apples are very heart healthy

They are free of fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol! Apples help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. Studies have shown that apples tend to reduce the risk of heart disease. Why else would the American Heart Association recommend an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption?

Soluble fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls and people who eat a diet rich in flavonoids have a lower incidence of heart disease. Other studies indicate that flavonoids may help prevent strokes. Apples are high in flavonoids!

In plain English: The number one killer in America is Heart Disease. So, if the nutritional benefits of an apple helps promote heart health, then an apple day helps fight heart disease!

3. Apples are high in fiber

Apple's high fiber content Natural sugars are slowly released into the blood stream due to an apple's high fiber content. This helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. But make sure to eat the peel because the peel has the most vitamins of the whole apple.

Apple polyphenols have demonstrated the ability to regulate fat metabolism which promotes weight loss. The dietary fiber will also help in digestion and the fiber and fructose will help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Likely Page BreakIn plain English: Obesity leads to heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer in America! So if eating apples regulate fat metabolism and promotes weight loss, then it helps fight obesity and heart disease.

These top 3 reasons why an apple a day (or more) can keep you from the doctor. It is incredible what the nutritional benefits an apple can do for you. The few reasons pointed out here all lead to promoting a better heart! A better heart means lower risk of heart disease!

Get heart healthy! Eat an Apple!