Registered Dietitian, Annessa Chumbley, provided editorial compliance and approval of the nutritional information in this article. She currently serves as the RD Ambassador for Chelan Fresh, grower of SugarBee apples.

You’ve heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” … but is that really true?

Can a delicious, juicy, sweet or tart, red or green apple really improve how your body feels and functions?

At The Produce Moms, we love all fruits and vegetables, especially when they can be eaten on the go, like apples can. We tend to always have an apple (or four) on hand for easy snacking. So we wanted to know if there is any truth in the old apple adage. 

Are there any health benefits of apples?

Turns out, there’s a ton of proof of the truth to the saying about apples. In this blog, you’ll find out 9 ways apples can help you feel your best. 

Plus, we’ve got some of our favorite apple recipes to easily add apples to your family’s weekly grocery list. 

Let’s check out 9 health benefits of apples!

Health benefits of apples is sponsored by SugarBee®.

1. Healthy Gut

There are good and bad bacteria that live on your skin and in your gut, called microbiomes. One of the best health benefits of apples is that they have properties that may help your body get rid of the bad bacteria. They also have pectin, a type of prebiotic fiber that naturally promotes good gut health. Better digestion and a strong immune system — what more could we want?

Related: Curry Chicken Salad with Apples

2. Improve Digestion

Apples have soluble fiber (dissolves in water) and insoluble fiber (doesn’t dissolve in water). Both are important for optimal digestive tract health. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance that slows digestion, lowering cholesterol and normalizing blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber adds bulk to keep the digestive tract working properly. If you have trouble with digestion, apples can be a natural way to help things function smoothly.

Related: Fennel Apple Salad

3. Boost Immune System

Did you know that one apple a day gives your body a quarter of the required daily vitamin C?¹ These red and green fruits offer vitamins without any prep or cooking. We love having apples around all year, but they really help our families stay ahead of the game during cold and flu season. Just slice, bite, or bake your apples for an easy and quick Vitamin C boost. 

Related: Apple Blue Cheese Salad

4. Reduce Inflammation

Our bodies naturally fight infections and repair sore, tired muscles through inflammation. Another health benefit of apples is that they have anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, like fiber and quercetin, to promote recovery in the body. We often bring apples with us to games for a grab-and-go snack or make a celebratory apple treat after practice for quicker muscle recovery. 

Related: Apple Cobbler

5. Manage Weight 

Apples have soluble fiber in the flesh and insoluble fiber in the skin, making up about 16% of daily fiber for adults. Many studies show that the fiber, combined with the water from apples, may help you feel full quicker and longer. Add sliced apples to any meal or bite right into a fresh one to curb hunger and eat smarter … and bonus, it’s delicious! 

Related: Apples for Weight Loss

6. Live Longer

This is one of our favorite health benefits of apples. Multiple studies have shown that apples can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer by up to 22%, the two leading causes of death in America.² But how many apples do you need to eat for a longer, improved quality of life … just an apple a day. Turns out there is some truth to the old saying. 

Related: Apple Tortellini Pasta Salad

7. Brain Health

Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in plants, including apples. They have been shown to help reduce the risk of neurological diseases and improve brain function. No matter how old you are, apples are always a good idea. We love adding apples to any breakfast for a quick pick-me-up and a boost to your brain, especially during the school year.

Related: 5 Minute Apple and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

8. Stronger Bones

Whether you’re a mom carrying a 6-month-old or you have teenagers in the house, strong bones are important at every stage of life. Apples have antioxidants called polyphenols, and polyphenols have been shown to create more cells responsible for making strong bones. Yet another reason to love juicy, sweet apples.

Related: Apple Animals

9. Hydration

When you’re sweating through the hot summer months or getting through another soccer practice, your body needs to stay hydrated. Apples are made up of about 85% water, and they have potassium and sodium for natural electrolytes. Not only do apples hydrate your body, the natural electrolytes also help your body stay hydrated! The perfect snack for the athletes in your family.

Related: How to Make Apple Juice

Why We Love SugarBee®

One of our favorite apples is the SugarBee® apple. They are a little on the sweet side with honey, caramel, and molasses flavors that are unique to these apples. With all of the natural health benefits of apples mixed with the pleasantly sweeter taste, you can add these apples to snacks, desserts, breakfasts, or simply eat them as is. Be sure to look for the honeycomb sticker in the produce section to give these Washington-grown apples a try!

Related: Different Types of Apples

As you can see, the health benefits of apples are numerous! Don’t forget to check out our favorite apple recipes to start adding these juicy, sweet, and nutritious fruit to your family’s meals this week – your body and your family will thank you.