The Miraculous Disease Fighting Fruit

Fresh apples signal the fall harvest--bright red with an amazing aroma.

We have heard the saying "an apple a day," but with exotic fruits getting the headlines, what are the benefits of the ordinary apple? According to research, apples may have beneficial effects for diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and asthma.

The emerging data on apples is impressive and should have a profound impact on making healthy eating choices. Apples are packed with powerful phytonutrients that can support the body's healing and disease-fighting ability. That's why apples are a star ingredient in the recipes and meal plans of our book, The Fat Resistance Diet.

Apples are a rich source of beneficial antioxidants such as flavonoids, like quercetin, as well as carotenoids. These compounds are thought to help protect the body against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to aging and disease, so apples may help us stay more youthful and healthy. Apples also contain vitamin C, boron, and fiber.

In the Women's Health Study at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, apple consumption was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. According to the study, apples were the only flavonoid-rich food significantly associated with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In a study conducted in Finland, apple consumption was associated with lower incidence of coronary mortality for both men and women. 

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