Apples are loaded with a powerful group of antioxidants called polyphenols.

Although many other foods contain polyphenols, apples have much higher concentrations.

One of the most powerful polyphenols is called phloridzin, which is uniquely concentrated in the apple skin.

Phloridzin-rich apple skins have been shown to be especially active against glycation, which is one of the most reliable markers of aging. They have also demonstrated the ability to burn abdominal fat!

Glycation occurs when sugars and carbohydrates in the blood stick to proteins in the blood, creating large molecules that clump together. These large molecules damage arteries, cells, and tissues throughout the body. These advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), are found at the site of most chronic degenerative diseases and are considered the culprit most responsible for accelerated aging.

Apple skins rich in phloridzin block glucose (sugar) from leaving the small intestine and entering the bloodstream. If the glucose never gets into the blood, the sugars cannot glycate or clump together. In one study, phloridzin inhibited glucose uptake by 52 percent. (1,3,4)

Better yet, when the ice cream you eat with your apple pie gets into your blood, the phloridzin may block the sugars from sticking to the proteins, preventing glycation—just don’t peel the apples first!

One of the welcome side benefits of the body burning less sugar is that it is more inclined to burn fat.

In one study, patients ate 600mg of phloridzin per day for 16 weeks. The group eating the apple skin extract lost 8.9 percent of the original body fat, and the placebo group actually gained 3.3 percent body fat over the same period of time. (3,4,5)

While apples have gotten a bad rap for increasing blood sugar levels, nature seems to be one step ahead of us, as this amazing fruit was designed to have innate blood-sugar-balancing and fat-burning qualities. How cool is that?

An Apple a Day Just May Keep the Doctor Away.

Here are some of the well-documented benefits of apples:

1. Potent antioxidant activity that provides cellular protection against the growth of cancerous cells. (4)
2. Inhibit proliferation of damaged and/or mutated cells. (4)
3. Blocks lipid oxidation or the damaging of good fats. (4)
4. Cholesterol-lowering effects. (4)
5. Supportive for lung health and function. (4)
6. Support colon and elimination health. (4)
7. Support healthy weight management. (4)

Not Just Apples: Whole Fruits Reduce the Risk of Diabetes.

In a recent meta-analysis where three studies on fruits were evaluated, greater consumption of specific whole fruits—particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples—is significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. In the same study, they found that the regular consumption of fruit juice was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. (2)

References:

1. PubMed
2. PubMed
3. PubMed
4. PubMed
5. PubMed

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Author: Dr. John Douillard
Image: Unsplash/Michał Grosicki
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
Supervising Editor 1: Catherine Monkman
Supervising Editor 2: Emily Bartran