9 Apple Benefits for Your Health and Beauty
Updated: Jan. 05, 2022Is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Find out exactly how an apple benefits your health.
Improve Digestion
Fiber, fiber, fiber—did you know you should be getting 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day? Apples can help you with that, containing roughly four grams each. A high-fiber diet is known to help with digestion and help fight issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
Prevent Heart Disease
Keep that ticker ticking! Studies show that a diet full of high-fiber foods can help protect against heart disease. Apples are also filled with antioxidants that help with inflammation and further reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems. Simply speaking, your heart hearts apples.
Feel Fuller Longer
Although it’s not exactly a cupcake, an apple can help satisfy your sweet tooth. The fiber in an apple helps to fill you up, but doesn’t contain many digestible calories; which in turn keeps your blood sugar levels at a healthy level.
Here are some other high-fiber snacks to cure your munchies.
Healthy Glowing Skin
The vitamin C in apples contributes to a radiant complexion, while their B vitamins can combat acne. You can get these benefits from eating apples—or you can make a quick face mask. Combine equal parts grated raw apple and honey. Apply to a clean face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Create Long and Shiny Hair
Pyrus malus, or apple extract, is often used as a moisturizing ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and serums. So why not make your own apple hair mask? In a food processor, combine slices from 1-2 large apples, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon corn flour.
Work this mixture into dry hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then wash and style.
Help Control Diabetes
Worried about diabetes? Fiber to the rescue again! Because apples are high in fiber, they’re low on the glycemic index. This means that although apples contain natural sugar, they release sugar into the bloodstream at a slower rate. In turn, your blood sugar is more stable.
Boost Your Immune System
Maybe the apple truly does keep the doctor away—through a strong immune system. A diet rich in antioxidants can help strengthen your immune system. Red apples, specifically, contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Research shows that quercetin can help fortify your immune system, especially when you’re feeling stressed.
Prevent Alzheimer’s
You might want to start your day with a tall glass of apple juice. In one study, mice that were given apple juice performed better on cognition tests. Scientists believe apple consumption may prevent the decline of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter chemical that’s crucial to brain health.
Give You Clean and Healthy Teeth
Chomping on a fiber-rich apple acts as a sort of toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque and removing food debris. Plus, the acidity in apples help to kill bacteria that causes bad breath. The trick though, is to leave the skin on—the skin is where most the fiber is found.
