An apple a day keeps the doctor away - another fine example that old saying old truth in them. But let’s get to the (apple) core of it.
Fun Fact: This saying first appeared in Wales in 1866. Originally, it was: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread". It was in the 19th century that people started paying more attention to apple and research their health benefits.
With over 7,000 different varieties across the world, it's no surprise that apples are the most widely consumed fruit.
From sweet red varieties like Fuji or Gala, to newly discovered native species like Pinova and Wellant, to spicy-tart varieties like Braeburn - there's sure to be an apple for everyone. Whether as a quick snack simply raw (dipped in nut puree), in apple loaf cakes, smoothies, porridge, salads...the possibilities are endless.
Thanks to their widespread use, many scientific studies have been conducted on the health benefits of apples. So if you're looking for a reason to reach for the crunchy fruit next time, you'll find five here!
Psst: To protect your teeth, it's better not to eat apples right before bedtime, as the acid dissolves the enamel a little and when you brush your teeth afterwards, you're also brushing away the enamel!
5 top health benefits of apples
1. Apples are rich in nutrients
Apples provide a lot of nutrients per serving. For example, a medium-sized apple contains 10% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. They also contain valuable antioxidants such as vitamin E and other polyphenols (secondary plant compounds), which make apples particularly beneficial for the body. By the way: To benefit from the most nutrients and fibre, you should leave the skin on!
2. Apples fill you up and support a healthy weight
Apples are particularly filling due to their high fibre and water content. Apples are therefore an ideal snack to prevent cravings and still have something sweet to snack on!
3. Apples can lower cholesterol levels
Apples contain a lot of pectin, especially in the apple skin. The pectin reduces the formation of uric acid and helps considerably to lower cholesterol levels.
But why is everyone always talking about cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is both produced by the body itself and absorbed through food (animal products). Cholesterol is important for the production of hormones, for cell membranes and for the formation of bile acid. If the level of particularly fatty cholesterol (so-called LDL cholesterol) is too high, vascular calcification and deposits in the arteries can occur.
4. Apples can strengthen the skin and heart
Apples contain the amino acid phenylalanine, which activates the coenzyme Q10, important for the heart and blood vessels. You may know Q10 as an ingredient in anti-ageing cosmetics - by eating apples you are helping your body to produce it naturally!
5. Apples support a healthy gut
In addition to the dietary fibre pectin, which regulates digestion, apples contain tannins. These have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect in the gut and thus protect against gastrointestinal infections. By the way, with a healthy intestinal flora you also support your immune system!
Gut Feeling: The digestive mix with apples
You can find apples as the main ingredient of the Gut Feeling mix, a superfood blend to pamper your gut and have smooth digestion - always. Together with five other ingredients that are also rich in fibre, minerals, and natural digestive enzymes, you'll benefit from the power of apples, without even having to take a bite! Simply add 2 tsp of the mix to water as a tart instant celery mix or to your morning smoothie.
How to use apples: 5 delicious apple recipes
Apples don't just taste good as they are, they are a great addition to a lot of recipes! Check these 5 recipes out:
- Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
- Apple Cinnamon Porridge
- Green Smoothie for Digestion
- Apple Loaf Cake
- Apple Pie Smoothie
