An apple is said to be one of the most nutrient-packed fruits there is. The popular fruit is low in calories; rich in dietary fiber; and it contains beta-carotene; Vitamin C;  Vitamin B complex such as pyridoxine, thiamin, and riboflavin; minerals like calcium, phosphorus and potassium; plus the antioxidants polyphenols and flavonoids.

With the numerous nutrients that an apple contains, maybe it really does keep the doctor away, especially when it is eaten daily. It can cure and ease just as many conditions as the nutrients it contains, like anemia, stomach disorders, dental care, heart disease, eye disorders, rheumatism, gout, skin care,  digestion and even cancer. Just as much, it can be taken in as many ways possible. It can be eaten raw, or as an additive to dishes or through fresh juices. Below are ten of life-threatening and life-altering health conditions that can be prevented by the regular intake of an apple.

• Apples Help Osteoporosis.

  Osteoporosis is a disease in the bones, specifically, a decrease in its strength making it weak and easily breakable. Some of the risk factors that greatly predispose one to the development of osteoporosis include a sedentary lifestyle, high alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, the use of corticosteroid medications, having a family member diagnosed with osteoporosis, post-menopausal women, and aging. If you think you are at risk of osteoporosis, an apple might just help you with this condition. It contains a flavonoid called phloridzin that can defend post-menstrual women from osteoporosis and can as well help other osteoporosis patients. Apples also contain Boron, an ingredient found in apples that can help in strengthening one’s bones.

• Apples Against Asthma.

  Studies have already proven the benefit an apple can give to lung disorders, especially asthma. The many flavonoids it contains, including phloridzin, contribute a lot of benefits to lung health and it also supports lung function. A study has specifically found out that the intake of apples by pregnant mothers increases the chance of bearing an asthma-free baby compared to those who are not taking apples at all. A study by the National Heart and Lung Institute says that children who drink apple juice daily were less likely to suffer from wheezing by fifty percent than those who take it just once a month. Researchers said that it may be because of the flavonoids that helped calm the inflammation in the airways.

• Apples for Alzheimer’s Disease.

  Alzheimer’s disease may just as well be the worst disease possible when it comes to our cognitive function. Treatment is difficult, but prevention is much easier. A study from Cornell University’s Food Science and Technology Department has shown that apples contain a compound called quercetin that protects rat brain cells from free radicals – molecules that play an important role in some diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Quercetin, being an antioxidant, is known to counteract free radicals, thus preventing this disease. According to the researchers, fresh apples are best, with quercetin being found in apple skins and the red ones containing more antioxidants.

• Hypercholesterolemia.

  Hypercholesterolemia is a condition marked by having high levels of cholesterol in the blood which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke – and taking apples regularly may just help lower LDL levels. Taking 2 apples a day can lower levels by 16 percent. This is because the pectin in apples helps lower LDL or the “bad” cholesterol levels in the body.

• Apples against Cancer.

  Many studies have shown that apples can fight against many kinds of cancers including lung, breast, colon and liver cancer. A study done on 10,000 participants revealed that the flavonoids quercetin and naringenin in apples can lower the risk of developing lung cancer, and those who ate apples had at least a 50 percent lower risk of having lung cancer. A study on rats had also shown that apple skins can lower the risk of colon cancer by 43 percent. The pectin in apples helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.  Furthermore, a study conducted by researchers from the Cornell University found that rats who were fed at least one apple a day exhibited a lowered risk for breast cancer development by a minimum of 17 percent. Generally, these studies suggest that apple peels have potent antioxidant activities, which is mainly responsible for cancer prevention.

• Apples for Diabetes

  Apples are considered the perfect fruit for diabetics. Research was even done to people with pre-diabetes and it was found out that apples could prevent the development diabetes, and symptoms associated with pre-diabetes lowered after 24 hours of apple consumption. Pectin in apples provides the body with galacturonic acid which lowers the body’s need for insulin and helps in diabetes management.

• Apples against Anemia.

  Anemia is the decrease of hemoglobin in the blood which is the primary carrier of oxygen to the body. The condition can result to easy fatigability, weakness and easy bruising. Apples have rich iron content, and taking 2 to 3 apples on a daily basis may help in fighting anemia.

• Apples and Rheumatism

  Apples also appear to be an excellent remedy for arthritis and rheumatism. These conditions are mainly caused by uric acid poisoning, or accumulation of uric acid and the malic acid in apples offers relief by neutralizing the uric acid.

• Apples for Constipation

  Don’t you just hate it when you have constipation? Well, here are apples to the rescue. The apples contain a soluble fiber called pectin which absorbs the water in the colon allowing constipation to clear off. Apple keeps the stool soft. Not only that, they also manage the way you absorb sugar during digestion.

• Apples against Heart Disease.

  Apples help lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood which, in fact, is directly associated with the heart thereby making the heart risk free as well.  Quercetin is found on apples in high amounts and this is associated with the reduction of the risk of coronary heart disease. Apples have also been constantly associated with reduced cases of heart diseases.

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