Apples Earn A+ in Health Benefits

Apples have a prominent place in our house. Our famously picky preschool-age daughter has fallen in love with all things apple. Fresh apples, applesauce, apple juice, apple crisps and yes, wait for it, apple butter are top on her culinary list of favorites.

In addition to tasting good, I rest assured knowing the happy little fruit provides a boost of nutrients and host of health benefits to my growing offspring both at home and at school. Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber and a healthy source of antioxidants. Although all apples contain antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, USDA cited three specific varieties of apples—Gala, Granny Smith and Red Delicious—among the top 20 antioxidant sources.

Apples also have been found to benefit brain health, respiratory health, heart health and digestive health. Research also supports the theory that apples help reduce breast cancer risk.

Since my daughter is an asthmatic, I found a 2007 study that found children of mothers who eat apples during pregnancy are much less likely to exhibit symptoms of asthma at age 5 particularly enlightening.  Apples were one of only two foods found to have a positive association with a reduced risk of asthma among a variety of foods consumed and recorded for the study.

The recent slide show, “An Apple a Day: The Health Benefits of Apples," posted on this website provides a look at some of the recent research on the health benefits of apples. I urge you to peruse the slide show and learn more about how apples are earning an A+ in healthy benefits.