We’ve all heard the old saying about how apples help keep the doctor away, but how healthy are they? What is it about apples that made them part of such a well-known phrase? As it turns out, there’s plenty of goodness in this small fruit.First of all, apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world. A medium-sized apple is equal to 1.5 cups of fruit, a great start toward the recommended 2 cups a day! They are also high in fiber and water, both of which help to keep your hunger under control. They’ve been used in weight loss studies with promising results. Try eating some apple slices before a meal. It might help you eat less, if you’re trying to lose weight. However, it’s better to eat them with the skin on, since that’s where most of the fiber is. There are a number of diseases and conditions that this fruit has also been connected to. Apples have also been connected to better heart health. This might be because they contain soluble fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels. They also contain polyphenols, which are plant compounds that act like antioxidants. Again, these are mostly in the skin, so try not to peel them before eating. Consumption of apples has also been linked to decreased risk of stroke.There’s even a connection to preventing diabetes. Studies have shown that eating even a few apples a week resulted in decreased chance of diabetes. This is thought to be due to the polyphenols preventing damage to cells in the pancreas, which are normally damaged by type-2 diabetes. Apples are also good for your brain, as studies have shown that including apples in your daily diet can protect against brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. But what else is in them? Well, apples have all these nutrients in them:• Vitamin C – an antioxidant that boosts your resistance to infection, among other benefits• B-complex Vitamins – these are important for maintaining red blood cells and keeping your nervous system healthy• Dietary Fiber – other than helping with weight loss and heart health, a diet high in fiber can help prevent a number of diseases• Calcium – promoting good bone health• Potassium – an electrolyte that helps your cells, tissues, and organs stay healthyWith all that going on, why not have an apple a day?