"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old Welsh proverb that most of us are familiar with, but what makes this fruit so special?

What health benefits are associated with eating apples?

Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fibre.
One medium apple — 6.4 ounces or 182 grams — offers the following nutrients
• Calories: 95
• Carbs: 25 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Vitamin C: 14% of the (RDI)
• Potassium: 6% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI

The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

A collection of research studies suggests that apples may well be one of “the most healthy foods” for you to include in your daily diet.

A study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that eating apples may provide benefits for your neurological health.

Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggested that apple juice consumption may increase the production in the brain of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory among mice who have Alzheimer's-like symptoms.

Including apples in your daily diet may protect neuron cells against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity and may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

So why not start adding apples to your eating plan today?