The Benefits of an Apple Every Day
By Sara Butler
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away and it turns out that's not a load of hooey. Scientific research has revealed over the last few decades that apples are incredibly good for your health and for reasons you may not suspect. Here are a few of the reasons why making a habit of having one apple each day can be a boon to your health and wellness.
Apples are Full of Soluble Fiber
Fiber is an important element of a healthy diet for a lot of reasons. Chief among them is that a high-fiber diet helps to decrease your chances of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. One medium apple, including the peel, has about 4 grams of fiber -- that's around 15 percent of your recommended daily intake.
Apples Can Lower Your Risk for Asthma
Apples have been found in many studies to help increase pulmonary health. This is important for people with asthma since healthy lungs can help to keep the disease from developing or getting worse. Eating five apples per week can help give your pulmonary health a boost!
Apples Help You Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is a full-time job, so you need to take advantage of every way you can to keep your body satiated. Apples happen to be 86 percent water, so adding them to your diet can help quench your thirst and keep your hydrated.
Apples are Low in Calories
Working to achieve and maintain a healthy weight can be difficult, but apples are great to add to your day because they're so low in calories. One medium apple has about 90 calories. Combine that with the added fiber in an apple and it'll keep you satisfied well after you're done eating.
Apples are Full of Vitamins and Minerals
Apples can supply your body with a big dose of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. They also contain calcium, iron, and Vitamin A, along with potassium. So, tell the humble banana to move over because apples are just as good as a snack to help you recover from your latest workout.
Go ahead, enjoy all the apples you can. Just make sure to leave the peel on and rinse it well before you indulge, and you've got a recipe for good health and wellness -- all thanks to apples!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, Colo.