Apple benefits

HEART

Of all fruits, apples contain the most quercetin, an antioxidant from the flavonoid family. And it's quercetin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that appear to benefit health on a number of levels, including the heart.

"Each daily serving of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by around 4%," says Richard Béliveau, Doctor of Biochemistry. Apples, for their part, are packed with pectin, recognized for its cholesterol-lowering properties.

DIABETES

Apples also contain fiber. Pectin, a soluble fiber, swells in the stomach and slows the passage of food through the intestine, promoting satiety and better glycemic control, a plus for diabetics.

SMILE

Biting into a raw apple is good for oral health. The strong salivation that follows fights bacteria, which in turn keeps cavities at bay. Chewing a fresh apple also massages the gums, helping to prevent diseases such as gingivitis.

BREATHING

Eating apples may have a positive effect on respiratory health and the incidence of asthma. What's more, eating apples during pregnancy could reduce the risk of asthma in children.

CANCER

Around a third of all cancers are directly linked to diet. Eating 5 to 10 portions of fruit and vegetables every day is the best dietary strategy for preventing this disease. In concrete terms, regular consumption of apples appears to be beneficial in reducing various types of cancer, including lung, pancreatic, prostate, breast and colorectal.

DIGESTION

Insoluble fibers promote intestinal regularity. Rich in flavor and nutrients, local apples contain an average of 86% water and only 70 calories. Good for eating and cooking, apples offer a wide range of benefits.