What Did Johnny Appleseed Know About Apples?

 Maybe Johhny Appleseed knew more than we did about the benefits of apples. Eating fresh apples has always been good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year — about one apple per week. 

WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS

Eating apples are believed to lower blood cholesterol, improve bowel function and reduce the risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. The disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a "whole-body" health benefit. A number of components in apples, most notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice reduced the damaging effects of the “bad” LDL cholesterol. 

CANCER PREVENTION

Over the past four years, apple consumption has been linked with reduced cancer risk in several studies.In an article from the American Institute for Cancer Research (December 2019), it indicates that the fiber found in apples can combine with the healthy bacteria in the stomach to reduce the risk of cancer. The types of cancer reduction with apples included breast, digestive (colon, esophageal, mouth), and certain types of lung cancer.  A Cornell University study indicated phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibited the reproduction of colon cancer cells by 43 percent. The National Cancer Institute has reported that foods containing flavonoids like those found in apples may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent. 

So there you have it! An apple a day may be old advice but it sounds like advise worth following.