In recent years scientists have begun to study the therapeutic value of foods more intensly. You've heard the old saying, "an apple a day will keep the doctor away". Science is now begining to reveal why the old addage is true. Apples are an important source of the dietary fiber, pectin. Pectin has been shown to lower cholesterol. In France, researchers had a group of healthy middle-aged people add 2-3 apples a day to their daily diet for a month. At the end of the month, LDL cholesterol dropped in 80% of them and by over 10% in half of them. The University of California recently performed a 12 week study that required the intake of 2 apples a day and found a reduction of bad cholesterol by up to 30%. Pectin may also reduce your chances for colon cancer. A University of Texas study determined that rats fed pectin had a 50% lower rate of colon cancer as well as a 30% reduction in cholesterol. The additional fiber you will take in when you eat an apple will also help you to supress your appetite, help you feel full, and keep your bowels moving.

Apples also supply the body with the trace mineral Boron. Boron helps boost levels of estrogen and other compounds that help prevent the loss of calcium and magnesium, the minerals neccesary for bone strength. Boron may also be helpful for joint health with studies currently being done on it's effects to Arthritis. The USDA has also done studies that seem to indicate that Boron can help mental alertness.

The apple is also high in salicylates, nature's anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Apples also contain Vitamin A as well as a host of other phytonutrients. So eat an apple or two a day instead of a sugary snack. They are satisfying, taste great and are good for your health too!