The Underrated Health Benefit Of Eating An Apple A Day

Apple isn't just an incredible pairing with cheddar cheese (say what?); it's also a fruit that can promote better health. You've undoubtedly heard that old saw about eating an apple a day and keeping the doctor away. While it's untrue to think there's any magic food that can prevent you from ever needing medical care, it's not hyperbole to say that apples are good for you. One of the biggest health benefits of eating apples may not be one you'd automatically think of, either.

Turns out that apples can help keep you hydrated! You've heard why you should drink water in the morning, because doing so sets you up for a good day of drinking enough H2O. But consider also that one medium apple can supply you with the equivalent of five ounces of water. These delicious fruits are composed of 80% water, meaning that they are a hydrating boost for your body with every bite. 

The high water content is the reason why apples float, and bobbing for apples is a perennial autumn party activity. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are especially rich in it, consisting of about 85% each, meaning that you can boost your water intake by snacking on these varieties. Green Granny Smiths and snappy Honeycrisps are also among the best apples for baking, too, meaning that there are many great reasons to keep these fruits in your kitchen!

In addition to apples being great for hydration, they also pack a flavonoid and fiber blast. Both of these nutrients are fabulous for overall heart health and can help to decrease your chance of cardiac events like stroke and heart attack. Fiber will also help lower your blood pressure and the amount of "bad" cholesterol in your body. If you already have high blood pressure, flavonoids may help your symptoms to some extent (though of course keep seeing your doctor).

Still not convinced? Apples may help lower your risk of cancer, thanks to an impressive amount of antioxidants. Your chances of lung, colorectal, and certain varieties of breast cancer can be reduced by upping your antioxidant consumption, though of course research is ongoing. As a bonus, you'll make your lungs happy and aid in keeping your blood sugar in check. Antioxidants counteract free radicals, which are unstable cells that can cause carcinogenic mutations in your cells.

Perhaps most impressively, apples are dense little bombs of satiety and good gut health. Thanks (again) to the high fiber in their skins and flesh, apples can keep things moving in your gut and keep you feeling full for longer. If you are trying to manage your weight, that latter effect can be helpful. For folks with celiac disease or other types of gluten sensitivity, apples may additionally act as a source of good carbohydrates.