Friday 10 August 2012

Surprising Apple Nutrition Facts – Health Benefits of Apples

You’ve heard the old saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know that apples also help keep fat at bay?
With so many varieties of apples available, you can experiment until you find one that you like. This versatile fruit can be a healthy snack, tasty dessert or salad filler to help you achieve maximum health benefits of apples.
About Apples
Apples have long been considered a food that promotes good health and fat loss, but that’s just tip of the iceberg of the health benefits of apples. Looking at apple nutrition facts it’s clear why this fruit is highly sought after by dieters worldwide.
One apple has just 95 calories, making it the perfect low calorie snack when a craving strikes. With zero fat & cholesterol, and very little sodium you can see why an apple a day has become so popular. Although not as high in fiber as some other foods, the high fiber count in apples gives them much of their fat-burning properties.
Many crucial vitamins can be found in relatively large numbers in just one apples, including vitamins C, K and B6. These vitamins are important for normal human functioning that promotes good health, which we know has a positive effect on fat burning.
Potassium is yet another nutrient that increases the health benefits of apples, with 195 mg found inside a medium apple.
Health Benefits of Apples
Because apples have long been considered a food that promotes good health, more research has been done to find out just how beneficial apples are to ideal health.
There are many antioxidants in apples that block absorption of harmful free radicals that can age you prematurely and cause disease. The polyphenols responsible for the antioxidant benefits of apples also help reduce artery clogging than can lead to heart health problems. These same anti-inflammatory properties are why apples help reduce asthma-related swelling.
The fiber content also improves the heart health benefits of apples, which has been known to reduce bad cholesterol. By literally eating “an apple a day,” you can reduce the risk of many cardiovascular problems that include heart disease and stroke.
New research indicates that apples have an amazing ability to fight several types of cancer, but the lung cancer results have been especially promising.
Types of Apples
Before you can fully take advantage of the health benefits of apples, you should have an idea of what apple options are available. Although apples are available in just 3 skin colors—red, yellow and green—each variety has a different taste to make sure you enjoy it and reap the full health benefits.
Some of the most common types of apples include the sweet and tangy Granny Smith or Pippin apples, which also make excellent baking apples. If you’re looking for a sweeter bite, look to Red Delicious—noticeable because of their bright red skin, or Golden delicious with a soft yellow skin. Fuji and Pink Lady apples have a milder taste but just as many health benefits.
You’re probably wondering what you can do with apples other than enjoy a healthy snack.
Low Calorie Apple Recipes
Easy Apple Salad: Combine 2 cups chopped apples (2 or more varieties) with 10 whole almonds, chopped. Toss and enjoy. 199 calories per serving, recipe makes 1 serving.
Apples & Cabbage: Thinly slice one head of red cabbage, one apple and ½ cup sliced onion. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to stockpot over medium heat, sauté apples and onions for 4 minutes, or until they soften. Add in cabbage, 1 bay leaf, 1 chopped garlic clove and ½ cup water to pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook 20 minutes or until cabbage is soft. 148 calories per serving, recipe makes 2 servings.
These are just a few ways to make the most of apple nutrition facts, but when in doubt simply eat a fresh apple for maximum health benefits.

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