Introduction
Eating apples is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. But did you know that apples can also have some surprising side effects? Recent scientific studies have revealed that apples can have a variety of positive and negative effects on your health. From helping to reduce cholesterol levels to increasing the risk of developing certain types of cancer, the side effects of eating apples can be both beneficial and detrimental. In this article, we will explore the surprising side effects of eating apples, according to science.
Surprising Side Effects of Eating Apples, According to Science
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and for good reason. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep your body healthy. But did you know that eating apples can also have some surprising side effects? Here are some of the most interesting findings from recent scientific studies.
1. Apples May Help Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that eating apples may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that people who ate at least one apple a day had a 28% lower risk of developing the condition compared to those who did not eat apples. The researchers believe that the antioxidants and fiber in apples may help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Apples May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
A study published in the journal Nutrition found that eating apples may help lower cholesterol levels. The researchers found that people who ate at least one apple a day had a 23% lower risk of developing high cholesterol compared to those who did not eat apples. The researchers believe that the fiber and polyphenols in apples may help reduce cholesterol levels.
3. Apples May Help Improve Gut Health
A study published in the journal Gut found that eating apples may help improve gut health. The researchers found that people who ate at least one apple a day had a 20% lower risk of developing gut-related issues compared to those who did not eat apples. The researchers believe that the fiber and polyphenols in apples may help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
4. Apples May Help Reduce the Risk of Certain Cancers
A study published in the journal Cancer Research found that eating apples may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. The researchers found that people who ate at least one apple a day had a 15% lower risk of developing certain types of cancer compared to those who did not eat apples. The researchers believe that the antioxidants and phytochemicals in apples may help protect against cancer.
Conclusion
Eating apples can have some surprising side effects, according to recent scientific studies. Apples may help reduce the risk of diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, improve gut health, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, reach for an apple!
Getting healthier isn’t always a chore—in fact, a popular food you probably already have at home could be the key to reducing your risk of chronic disease. Multiple studies reveal that eating apples can benefit virtually every part of your body, from head to toe. Whether you prefer a tart Granny Smith or a sweet Red Delicious, read on to discover the surprising side effects of eating apples. And if you’re ready to revamp your diet, start with these 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.
Adding a few apples to your diet can do more than make your taste buds happy—it can keep your heart significantly healthier, as well. According to a 2019 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals with mildly high cholesterol who consumed two apples a day reduced their LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and increased their blood vessel dilation, which can reduce heart disease risk.
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If you’re eager to get your blood pressure into a healthier range, eating an apple every now and then might just be the easiest way to do it. A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports found that flavanol-rich foods, including apples, can help lower blood pressure.
Healthy digestion and healthy immune system start in the same place: your gut. Luckily, eating apples on a regular basis can help boost your beneficial gut bacteria. According to a 2017 study published in Nutrients, consumption of different types of apples, including Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, and Renetta Canada, increased the population of beneficial Actinobacteria within study subjects’ guts. And for more on how this popular fruit can affect your health, check out the One Major Side Effect of Eating Too Many Apples.
An apple a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away—it may keep the dentist away, too. According to a 2018 study published in PLoS One, while eating apples doesn’t remove plaque from teeth, it does reduce the bacterial viability in a person’s mouth, potentially keeping those pearly whites healthier and less prone to degradation over time.
Instead of grabbing your toothbrush immediately after eating a garlicky food, try grabbing an apple instead. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Food Science reveals that eating an apple after consuming garlic can significantly reduce the enzymes in the garlic that promote bad breath. Want to make healthier choices in the produce aisle? Check out the 9 Best Fruits for Weight Loss, Approved by a Nutritionist.
Something as simple as eating an apple could help you significantly lower your risk of certain types of cancer. A 2009 study published in Reviews on Environmental Health found that eating one or more apple a day significantly lowered a person’s colorectal cancer risk, while a 2015 meta-analysis published in the journal Public Health Nutrition found that apple consumption was associated with a reduction in lung cancer risk. And if you want to indulge your sweet tooth in a healthy way, check out these 27 Desserts That Won’t Make You Fat.