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Health Benefits of Apples

Why do they say that eating an apple a day keeps you from having to go to the doctor? Here are some facts about apples and the benefits.

French scientists discovered that the flavanoid phloridzin, which is only contained in apples, probably reduces the onset of osteoporosis in people who are older than 50.

One of the health benefits of apples is the presence of boron. This element in the apple fruit helps strengthen bones.

Apples are high in concentrations of quercetins. Quercetins are known to protect against the risk of Alzheimer's disease and many cancers, including lung cancer. People who eat apples on a daily basis have been shown in studies to have lower risks of lung cancer and getting Alzheimer's than most other people. Even smokers who eat apples regularly show lower incidence of lung cancer than those smokers who fail to do this.

The pectin in apples is believed by many researchers to lower one's levels of LDL cholesterol which is the "bad" cholesterol that gums up the workings of your arteries and increases your risks of heart disease and high blood pressure. Studies have concluded that people who eat two apples per day but otherwise don't watch what they eat lower their LDL levels by as much as 16%.

In addition, other research concludes that the one of the many health benefits of apples is it helps control or prevention of diabetes. The pectin in apples gives the body galacturonic acid, which lowers the body's need for insulin.

Studies have shown that children who suffer from asthma but drink at least one serving of apple juice per day experience less wheezing than their counterparts who drink little or no apple juice.

High levels of dietary fiber like those levels of it contained in apples are associated with healthier, more youthful looking skin, better hair and nails, and lowered risk of constipation and colon cancer.

Apple Varieties

There are many different types of apples to select from. Here are some of the most popular apple varieties.

1. Pink Lady.

   This variety is a red apple but its skin segues into other, lighter colors, giving an overall "pink" impression. It's only sold to a relatively limited number of supermarkets and is widely regarded as perhaps the best-tasting apple.

   
   
   
2. Cox's Orange Pippin.

   Arguably the world's greatest dessert apple.

   
   
   
3. Granny Smith.

   The famous green apple from Australia.

   
   
   
4. Fuji.

   Sweet-flavored and crisp, these keep quite well, making them popular for fruit bowls.

   
   
   
5. Arkansas Black.

   Grown almost exclusively in the state that gives it part of its name, this is a deliciously tart apple that, when stored, turns nearly black, although it's still perfectly ripe and not spoiled.

   
   
   
6. Red Delicious.

   Grown and eaten throughout the United States.