8 core reasons to eat more apples

This weekend, I’m headed to the annual apple festival in my city to do my part in honoring this highly-acclaimed fruit. That means tasting as many varieties as my stomach will allow. And that shouldn’t be a problem, since apples are an excellent source of digestion-aiding fiber. Fiber in apples and other fruits provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse and move food quickly through the digestive system. And just one apple provides as much dietary fiber as a serving of bran cereal.And the healthful reasons to indulge in this fat-free, tasty fruit don’t end there. Several studies have linked apple nutrients to an impressive range of health benefits. Here are 7 more reasons to bite into an apple this weekend, or whenever:

• Prevent disease. Apples are a natural source of health-promoting phytochemicals that have been found to lower blood pressure and protect against circulatory problems caused by diabetes. Study have also shown the phytochemicals found in apples help keep LDL (bad) cholesterol levels under control.

• Strengthen bones. Apples and apple juice contain the mineral boron, which has been shown to strengthen bones—a good defense against osteoporosis.

• Protect your heart. Apples are a rich source of soluble fiber, such as pectin, which helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

• Breathe easier. One study found that apple-eaters had better lung function and lower risk of respiratory disease, including asthma, than non-apple eaters.

• Fight cancer. Cornell University researchers identified a group of phytochemicals in apple peel that appear to kill or inhibit the growth of at least three different types of human cancer cells, including colon, breast, and liver cancers.

• Get quick energy. On the go? Apples are an easy, portable snack—and provide a great-tasting energy boost. This also makes them a good choice for kids’ lunches.

• Freshen your breath. Some believe that eating an apple is a natural remedy for bad breath. The rough texture of the food can help loosen food, while your saliva will help wash it away.

—Ginger Skinner