5 Health Benefits of Apples You’d Never Guess!

There are dozens of reasons that this juicy fruit has earned the “keep the doctor away” reputation. But there are some lesser-known benefits of eating apples that are both surprising and inspiring.

1. Apples lower cholesterol

Researchers at The Ohio State University discovered that the type of antioxidants found in fresh apples lowered the levels of “bad” or LDL cholesterol by 40 percent in four weeks. Taking supplements didn’t have the same effect.

2. They keep you full (and slim!)

When the natural bacteria that inhabit your gut get out of whack, unhealthy bacteria set up chronic inflammation that increases your risk of obesity. A study published in Food Chemistry showed that apples contain compounds that promote the growth of good bacteria, restoring balance and boosting feelings of fullness.

3. They can help you breathe easier

Asthma sufferers will be thrilled to know apples are packed with vitamins and phytochemicals that have been shown to improve lung capacity. Don’t peel them – most of the punch comes from the skin.

4. They decrease the risk of diabetes

A study published in the British Medical Journal showed that two servings of apples a week reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 23%.

5. They keep you clever

Thanks to a pigment called quercetin, apples defend your brain cells from damage to the outer lining of delicate neurons, say researchers at Cornell University.

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