Apple

Apples have surprising nutritional benefits that justify the old "apple a day" adage. The apple has definitely earned its place as a symbol of health. The majority of the health benefits come from its phosphorus content and its more than 250 phytochemicals.

Cognitive Problems

Eating apples can improve your memory and help you sustain overall brain health. Apples contain a larger percentage of phosphorus than any other fruit or vegetable. For this reason it is an invaluable food for brain health. Sufferers from cognitive problems such as brain fog and poor memory should eat at least two apples every day. The effects of the antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples have been shown to reduce brain-cell inflammation and oxidation that occurs naturally due to the presence of free radicals. Eating apples increases acetylcholine, which is a critical neurotransmitter for memory and brain health. Eating apples has also been shown to diminish accumulations of toxins in the brain, particularly beta-amyloid, which is thought to be one of the main factors causing Alzheimer's disease.[4]

Gout

Gout occurs when the body has high levels of uric acid. Gout symptoms occur when excess uric acid forms sharp crystals which collect between the joints and cause painful inflammation. The malic acid contained in apples helps to neutralize uric acid and decrease gout attacks.

Heart Disease

Apples are full of antioxidant compounds which help inhibit inflammation and lower levels of cholesterol and two other markers associated with plaque and inflammation in artery walls. Apples are also high in fiber which has been shown to lower cholesterol level. Studies have shown that frequent apple eaters have reduced risk of suffering from heart attacks and strokes compared with non-apple eaters.

Liver

Having a healthy liver results in greater energy and general well-being. A poorly functioning liver can result in tiredness, headaches, allergies, problem skin and weight gain. Apples periodically appear on the dinner table in the form of apple sauce or chutney to accompany dishes like roast pork or pork chops. The cook who created this menu was evidently acquainted with the action of the fruit on the liver. Sufferers from sluggish livers should eat apples. Apples contain pectin that bind to heavy metals in the body (in particular in the colon) and help their excretion. This reduces the load on the liver and its detoxification capacities.

Weight Loss

Apples can be part of a healthy diet that promotes weight loss because they satisfy hunger with only a few calories. A study at Florida State University showed that eating a cup of dried apples daily can help women lose weight and lower their cholesterol and heart disease markers. In addition, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, diets high in dried fruits are associated with lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and improved diet quality.[5]