Apples and health benefits

Apples can be very beneficial to a person\'s health. Apples keep the memory in good shape, keep the skin from wrinkling and protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Apples contain a wide range of helpful antioxidants which reduce the damage done to the body by free radicals and lessen the possibility of various diseases. Diets that are high in antioxidants reduce physical degeneration and aging. Many scientists have included apples in the category of fruits rich in anthocyanins, which are among the most powerful antioxidants. Apples also have catechins and quercetin which makes them even more important, because they also contribute to the slowing down the deterioration of mental processes.

Some studies have shown that apples actually keep the skin from wrinkling by protecting it from skin damage caused by prolonged expose to the sun. Japanese scientists have managed to extract a chemical compound from apples called procyanidin B-2 for the purpose of promoting hair growth from epithelial cells in lab animals.

Apples can also help with cholera. Polyphenol, a chemical compound extracted from immature apples inhibits the effects of cholera on lab animals in a dose-dependent manner. Apples are effective nutriceuticals as well, which means that they are food that has both protective and therapeutically important values. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) victims can also benefit from apples since their flavonoids and catechins improve lung functions.

Bladder cancer risks are reduced by eating apples because flavonoids protect the person from the effects of tobacco carcinogens, which are the most usual cause of this type of cancer. Studies have shown that quercetin and flavonoids may protect from some forms of lung cancer. The same can be said for the prevention of prostate cancer.

Apples can also greatly reduce the risk of stroke. People with a greater intake of flavonoids found in apples have much lower risks of coronary diseases, while the beneficial effects of catechins include a reduction of the risk of ischemic heart disease.

So many studies that have taken place over the past thirty years have shown that a diet rich in apples can greatly help in lowering the levels of blood cholesterol. The most significant part of this beneficial effect is a fiber called Pectin. Studies have also shown that for this purpose, apples can be consumed both fresh or as extracted apple juice with same effect.

Since it was discovered that the juice of apples also inhibits oxidation of harmful forms of cholesterol, it is now scientifically proven that a person does not even have to eat apples in order to enjoy their health benefits. The same benefits are available by drinking apple juice or cider, since special components in apple juice and extract contribute to antioxidant activity. Therefore, the inclusion of apple juice is also a great idea for establishing a healthy dietary routine.