There is a certain pleasure in biting into a crisp apple, juice spraying. It is a childhood memory for many of us.

We now know the skin and those juices contain antioxidants and fibre that fight many diseases of the modern world.

Apples contain antioxidants called polyphenols, along with pectin which is a fibre and a prebiotic.

What do these things do?

Heart health

The polyphenols in apples are thought to reduce both total and LDL (or ‘bad’) cholesterol. They improve blood vessel health, which may reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Appetite

It was previously thought that the high water and fibre content helped us feel satiated after eating an apple. It is now thought that polyphenols also play a role in appetite suppression.

Gut microbiome

Recent research has shown the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health. Pectin is a prebiotic; it fosters growth of ‘good’ gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome is associated with a lower cancer risk, reduced risk of some inflammatory diseases and improved mental wellbeing.

Get those benefits!

Leave the skin on! Half the fibre and nearly all the polyphenols are contained in the skin. Eat the skin to get the most out of your snack.