Apples and Health
There is a lot of truth in the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to reduce cholesterol. This pectin also appears to target "bad" cholesterol (LDL) according to recent tests. Eating two apples per day has dropped cholesterol levels in test subject humans by up to 16 percent.
Apples are also good for diabetics as the soluble fiber assists in regulating blood sugar, preventing a sudden increase or drop in serum sugar levels.
Apples are full of vitamins and minerals. There is no significant variation in the numbers between the different varieties. Most health benefits derive from eating the skin along with the flesh, so don't toss the peel!
One medium-sized raw, cored, unpeeled apple has only 80 calories.
More About Apples and Recipes:
• Apple Selection and Storage• Apple Varieties
• Apple Equivalents, Measures, and Substitutions
• Apple History
• Apples and Health
• Apple Recipes
Apples Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.
