Boost Your Brain with Antioxidant-Rich Apples

Apples are great for keeping your body and your mind healthy! Several research studies have linked eating apples to improved brain health, including a reduced onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Quercetin

This powerful antioxidant in apples was found to protect brain cells against oxidative stress during an animal study conducted in 2004 by Cornell University researchers. Apples have particularly high levels of quercetin. Scientists believe quercetin blocks free radicals, which, when found in excess, can cause damage to the brain cells as well as other cell types.

The skin of the apples contains the majority of the quercetin, as well as other beneficial antioxidants, so it’s recommended that people eat the entire apple to reap all of its benefits.

Apples also boost the brain by protecting against memory loss and lowering the occurrence of strokes. A 2013 research study, featured in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, found that every 7 gram increase of dietary fiber lowered first-time stroke risk by 7 percent. One large-sized apple has 5 grams of dietary fiber. Read more about apples and heart health on our blog.