Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Apples contain pectin, which increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and they prevent some diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. These fibers feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which are extremely important for good digestion and intestinal health . Since the immune system is 70% in the gut, you need to eat apples to keep your whole body healthy. Beneficial bacteria also protect the gut from disease, as diseased gut can cause certain diseases and conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Apples are very good for the heart . They say that with their consumption the risk of heart disease is lower. One reason is that they contain soluble fiber, which lowers blood cholesterol levels. They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant action. Many of them are concentrated in the peel of the fruit. One of these polyphenols is the flavonoid epicatechin, which can lower blood pressure. An analysis of studies also reported that high flavonoid intake was associated with a 20% lower risk of stroke.
Consumption of apples is associated with a lower risk of diabetes . A large study showed that eating apples every day was associated with a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. It is believed that even just eating a few apples a week has a similar protective effect. In addition, the polyphenols in apples prevent damage to the tissues of beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin in the body and are often damaged in people with type 2 diabetes.
Due to the high content of fiber and water, apples can be consumed for weight loss. In a study, people who ate apples before meals ate fewer calories afterwards. Another 10-day study of 50 overweight women found that those who ate apples lost an average of 2 kg and ate fewer calories than those who also ate fiber, but from another source.
Apples also prevent the formation of cancer cells , as they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to the listed ingredients, apples are very rich in vitamin A, E, B1, B2, B6, C, K, potassium , manganese and copper.