Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Eat an Apple Every Day

• Apples benefits: Lower cholesterol and blood sugar
• Packed with powerful antioxidants
• Help with weight control

The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has been around for over a century.

But is it just an old wives’ tale, or is there real science behind it?

Here’s the breakdown, so you can decide whether that apple sitting in your fridge is truly a friend to your health.

Discover Why Apples Are Still a Key Ally for Your Health

1. Apples Are Packed with Antioxidants

These fruits contain polyphenols, including flavanols, anthocyanins, and phloridzin.

These compounds help fight free radicals, which are responsible for cellular aging and diseases like cancer and heart problems.

2. Pectin is Key

Apples are high in soluble fiber, especially pectin, which helps reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.

It also limits the absorption of fats and sugars, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.

3. Apple Skin: Don’t Peel It Off

Many of the antioxidants are found in the peel.

So if you’re someone who always peels your apples—think twice! Recent studies highlight that some older varieties, like the Pom Prussian from northern Italy, have even higher levels of these compounds in their skin.

4. Apples Are Low in Calories, Big on Benefits

An average apple has fewer than 100 calories but offers great satiety and nutrients.

That makes it the perfect snack for anyone looking to control their weight without sacrificing taste.

5. Can It Help Prevent Diabetes?

Yes. A review of multiple studies found that eating apples regularly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 18%.

This is thanks to their fiber content and how they help regulate glucose levels.

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6. Eating an Apple a Day Is Good for Your Heart

The polyphenols in apples, together with pectin, are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some studies even observed clinically significant reductions in cholesterol among people who ate two apples a day for eight weeks.

7. How Many Should You Eat?

One apple a day is beneficial, but some studies show better results with two or three apples daily.

Among overweight women, for example, weight loss was observed when consuming three apples per day.

8. Does It Replace the Doctor?

Not exactly. A U.S. study involving nearly 9,000 people concluded that those who ate apples daily didn’t visit the doctor less often.

However, they did take fewer prescription medications, which is also a good sign of overall health.

Eating apples isn’t a magical cure—but it’s definitely a healthy habit.

They’re accessible, affordable, long-lasting, and packed with nutrients that can help you live a healthier life.

And the best part? You don’t even have to refrigerate them to keep them fresh.

So, do you eat apples every day, or do you prefer other fruits? Which one is your favorite?

SOURCE: BBC Future: Is an apple a day really good for your health? / Revisión de estudios: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2017, 2022)