Apples are crunchy, bright-colored fruit that keeps the doctor away. Though it is not a cure-all, eating them regularly is good for our health.
Jessica Levinson, RDN, a culinary nutrition expert in Westchester, New York, says (1):
“Apples have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and reduced risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers.”
Depending on the type of apple we eat, the fruit may have a sweet or sour flavor. Studies suggest just apples have powerful health benefits, particularly when it comes to fighting chronic diseases that kill millions of people each year. This well-known fruit contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and a range of other nutrients that may help manage several health conditions.
Apples Versus Asthma
Present in apples are antioxidants that may help protect our lungs from oxidative damage.
In an article in Nutrition Journal, evidence suggests that apples are great sources of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants. Consumption of this fruit was associated with a lowered risk of asthma and increased lung function (2).
People suffering from asthma must have a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Researchers found that when children sipped on apple juice their asthma symptoms were relieved. According to the researchers, it may be because of the phytochemicals in apples, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help calm inflammation in the airways (3).
Contained in the skin of an apple is quercetin, a flavonoid that helps in reducing inflammation and regulating the immune system. A study revealed that these are the ways wherein it may affect asthma and allergic reactions (4).
In a review published in 2011, researchers found that participants who ate the most apples had the lowest risk of asthma. Results also revealed that a 10% lowered risk of this condition is linked to eating about 15% of a large apple per day (5).
In a study conducted at the University of Aberdeen, UK, it was found that the children of mothers who ate the most apples were less likely to ever have wheezed or had doctor-confirmed asthma at the age of 5 years, compared to children of mothers who had the lowest apple consumption (6).
Sources:
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/
- https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-3-5
- https://www.readersdigest.ca/food/healthy-food/7-health-benefits-apples/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27187333/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183591/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070520183550.htm
