‘A’ stands for apple and antioxidants

Not only are JOYA® apples packed with vitamins A, B, C and E, these sweet, crunchy fruits are also a rich source of health-boosting antioxidants.

Dietitians worldwide recommend a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, as research clearly shows its impact on preventing chronic disease. Along with the vitamins, minerals and fibre in fresh produce, the antioxidants seem to play an important protective role.

Apples, in particular, have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, while possibly reducing our risk of:

• Certain types of cancer
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Asthma

The chemicals that give apples their colour, delicious taste and unique smell (known as “phytochemicals”) act as health-boosting antioxidants.

Antioxidants reduce the effect of free radicals in the body – highly reactive atoms that occur as a toxic byproduct of stress, processed foods, cigarette smoke, alcohol, exposure to sunlight, and pollution. Free radicals can cause cellular damage, paving the way to cancer, heart disease and other health problems. The antioxidants in certain foods can help terminate these reactions before damage occurs.

Apples are a rich source of flavonoids – powerful antioxidant compounds responsible for the shades of yellow, orange and red we see in our skin.

Quick facts:

• 100g of fresh apple (one apple) has the antioxidant activity of 1500mg of vitamin C.
• In one study, apples had the second highest level of antioxidants of all the fruit studied – one reason apples often make it to the top of superfood lists.
• Experts recommend eating at least 400g of fruit and vegetables per day to help prevent chronic disease. Eat two JOYA® apples every day, and you’re halfway there!

Reference:
– Boyer, J and Hai Liu, R. (2004) Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Nutrition Journal, 20014; 3: 5. URL: https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-3-5 Published online: 12 May 2004

Back to Features