7 Healthy Benefits of Apples

           What is the nutritional value of an apple? All fruits are good for you because they are rich in nutrients and fiber. Apples are a superfood, and you should eat at least five servings per week.
Apples are a rich source of fiber. The skin is the best part of the apple. Not only does it contain about five grams of fiber, most of the apple's phytochemicals are in the skin.
They have been found to have the following benefits:

- Apples lower blood pressure: Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and is found in apples. Studies suggest quercetin reduces blood pressure.

- Apples improve the respiratory system: One 2001 study suggests that eating five or more apples each week will decrease your risk of lung disease. The flavonoids in apples lessen the severity of asthma attacks and allergic reactions. They act like anti-inflammatory agents and antihistamines.

- Apples defend against cancer: Eating a diet that includes five or more apples per week helps prevent a variety of cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Quercetin is particularly helpful in protecting against prostate cancer because it inhibits the growth of cancerous cells but does not harm healthy prostate cells.

- Maintain cognitive ability: Apples and apple juice helps improve brain function in older people. It may even help protect your brain against Alzheimer's disease by protecting your brain from free-radical damage.

- Lose weight: All foods that are high in fiber make you feel full so that you will eat less. Apples only have about 90 calories, making them a sweet, crunchy between meal snack.

- Keep your digestive system healthy: The rich fiber content of apples is good for your digestive system. Fiber also helps control cholesterol.

- Boost your immune system: Apples are rich in vitamin C. They have about 8% of your daily vitamin C requirements.

The good thing is that apples come in so many different varieties. The perennial favorite is the traditional Red Delicious, but for a change we suggest trying the sweet-tangy, crisp multi-colored apples or the more tart Granny Smith. Want to make your own applesauce? Try Cortland, Macintosh, or Jonathan apples. Baking a pie? Try Rome, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith apples. Just want to eat an apple? Try Gala or Fuji apples.

Apples are plentiful and easy to find. Most cafeterias provide apples. Look for ones that have smooth, shiny skins without holes or bruises. In the Autumn, keep an eye out for local orchards that offer fresh apples, juice and sauce.

Why are apples in the store so shiny? They have been covered with a clear, edible wax. This wax protects the apples during shipping by keeping the moisture in. Because of this wax, apples stay crisp and fresh. The wax is safe to eat and does not affect taste, but apples should still be washed before consumption.
Apples are best stored in a loosely closed paper bag in the refrigerator. The cool air will keep them fresher longer.

Apples will also cause some fruits to ripen faster. They exude a gas known as ethylene. If you have green bananas, storing an apple with them will cause them to ripen faster. However, this same gas will damage vegetables such as broccoli, cucumbers and leafy greens. For this reason, it is best to keep apples out of your vegetable bin.
Want some other healthy snack ideas? Drizzle caramel sauce on a Granny Smith apple slice and add some pecans. Or serve them with brie or blue cheese, and wine.
No matter how you eat them, apples are a great snack that will keep you healthy and help you lose weight.

Chris has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, he also helps his friends publish websites related to the subject. You can also check out her latest website on weight loss smoothies which gives great advice and recipes for smoothies for weight loss. Visit www.myweightlosssmoothies.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Seguin