With over 7,000 different cultivars available worldwide, it’s no surprise that apples are the most widely consumed fruit globally.
From sweet red varieties, like Red Delicious, Fuji or Gala, to tangy green ones, like Granny Smith — my personal favorite that I enjoy with lime juice and a little salt when I want a savory snack — there sure is an apple for everyone.
They’re commonly used in recipes, like pies, cookies, muffins, jam, salads, oatmeal, or smoothies. They also make a great snack on their own or wedged and smeared with nut butter.
In addition to their culinary versatility and numerous colors and flavors to choose from, apples are an exceptionally healthy fruit with many research-backed benefits.
Here are eight impressive health benefits of apples.
1. Nutritious: Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants, like vitamin E, and polyphenols that contribute to the fruit’s numerous health benefits.
2. May support weight loss: Apples are particularly filling due to their high fiber and water content. Their polyphenols may also have anti-obesity effects.
3. Could be good for your heart: Apples promote heart health in several ways. They’re high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. They also have polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and stroke risk.
4. Linked to a lower risk of diabetes: Eating apples is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, potentially due to their polyphenol content.
5. May promote gut health: The type of fiber found in apples improves your gut-friendly bacteria, which may be why the fruit is thought to help protect against chronic diseases.
6. Might help prevent cancer: Apple’s fiber and antioxidant content have been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. However, more research in humans is needed.
7. Could help fight asthma: Apples contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help regulate immune responses and protect against asthma. However, more research, especially in humans, is needed.
8. May help protect your brain: Quercetin in apples may protect your brain against oxidative stress. However, further research is needed to validate the effect of eating the whole fruit.