Amazing benefits of apples for the skin and overall health
Apples are a staple fruit
in many parts of the world and are widely cultivated for their sweet, juicy
fruit.
They are typically eaten fresh, but can also be used to make products such as cider, apple juice, applesauce, and apple butter.
In this article we have
listed the top 10 benefits of apples for the skin they are High in Vitamin C,
Rich in antioxidants, Hydrating, Exfoliating, Good for Acne-Prone Skin,
Anti-Inflammatory, Brightening, Rich in Flavonoids and polyphenols, Help in
maintaining skin elasticity and also very Rich in fiber.
Apples contain various
vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit the skin when consumed or applied
topically.
They are also a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and many other essential nutrients.
Following are the benefits of apples :
High in Vitamin C
Apples are high in
vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for the skin. It also helps to boost
collagen production in the skin, which is important for maintaining skin
elasticity and firmness.
When skin is exposed to
UV rays or environmental pollution, it generates free radicals that can damage
skin cells, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin C
can neutralize these free radicals and reduce the damage they cause to the
skin.
Additionally, vitamin C
helps to brighten the skin and even out the skin tone, giving you a more
youthful and radiant appearance.
Apples are also high in
other antioxidants such as quercetin and polyphenols which work in synergy with
Vitamin C to provide additional benefits for the skin.
The amount of vitamin C
in apples can vary depending on the variety, but on average a medium-sized
apple contains around 8-9 mg of vitamin C.
It is important to note
that the best way to consume apples to maintain the Nutritional benefits of apples is to eat them fresh and raw. However, some way like
cooking or juicing reduces Vitamin C as it is sensitive to heat and light.
Rich in antioxidants
Apples are rich in
antioxidants, which are compounds that help to protect the body from damage
caused by free radicals.
These free radicals are
molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to a variety of health
problems, including aging and cancer.
One of the primary
antioxidants found in apples is quercetin, a flavonoid that has been shown to
have strong anti-inflammatory properties and to protect the body from damage
caused by free radicals.
Quercetin is also known
for its ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes that can lead to the
formation of cancer cells.
Apples are also rich in
Vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant which helps to protect the skin from damage
caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays.
In addition to Quercetin
and Vitamin C, apples also contain other antioxidants like catechins and
phloridzin, which have been found to have a protective effect against cancer,
heart disease, and other health conditions.
Apples are also an
excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar
levels, promote digestion and help to remove toxins from the body.
The skin of an apple
contains even more antioxidants than the flesh, so eating unpeeled apples is
the best way to take advantage of the antioxidants.
It is important to note
that the antioxidant content of an apple may be affected by the apple's
ripeness, cultivar, and the way it was grown and stored.
Eating a variety of
fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure that you are getting a wide
range of antioxidants in your diet.
Hydrating
Apples are a great source
of hydration for the skin because they have a high water content.
This means that when you
eat an apple or use it in a face mask, the water in the apple can help to
hydrate the skin and give it a plumper and more supple appearance.
The water content in an
apple can vary depending on the type of apple, but typically ranges from 84-91%
of the fruit.
This helps in keeping the
skin hydrated and moisturized, which can prevent dryness, cracking, and
wrinkles.
In addition to the water
content, apples also contain other hydrating compounds such as polysaccharides
and pectin, which can also help to keep the skin hydrated by forming a
protective barrier on the skin's surface.
Apples are also rich in
antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which help in boosting overall skin
health. In particular, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E present in apples
help in keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated.
Consuming apples in any
form such as juice, puree or eating raw can help in keeping the skin hydrated
and healthy. You can also use an apple-based face mask to boost hydration of
the skin.
It is important to note
that while eating an apple can help to hydrate the skin, it should not be
considered as a replacement for drinking water.
Drinking an adequate
amount of water is essential for maintaining overall health and hydration of
the skin.
Exfoliating
Apples contain natural
enzymes that can help to exfoliate the skin, which means they can remove dead
skin cells and leave the skin looking brighter and smoother.
The enzymes in apples,
called malic acid and tartaric acid, are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
These AHAs have a gentle
exfoliating effect that can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells on
the surface of the skin, revealing brighter and more radiant skin underneath.
When applied topically,
these enzymes can help to gently dissolve the "glue" that holds dead
skin cells together, allowing them to be easily scrubbed or washed away.
This can lead to improved
texture, smoother skin, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles.
You can make an apple
exfoliating mask by mixing mashed or blended apple with honey, yogurt or
oatmeal and apply it on your face for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off
with warm water.
You can also find
commercial exfoliating products that contain apple enzymes as one of their
active ingredients. However, it is always recommended to do patch test before
using any new skincare product.
It's also worth noting
that eating apples can also benefit your skin, as they are rich in
antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help to promote healthy skin from
the inside out.
Good for Acne-Prone Skin
Apples are good for
acne-prone skin because they contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are a
type of chemical exfoliant.
These natural enzymes
found in apples, like malic acid and tartaric acid, can help to gently remove
dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of acne.
AHAs help to reduce the
buildup of excess oils and bacteria on the surface of the skin, which can
contribute to the formation of acne.
In addition, apples are
also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C which can help to protect the skin from
damage caused by free radicals and inflammation which can contribute to acne
development.
Eating apples or applying
it topically as a mask or in commercial products with apple enzymes can be
beneficial for acne-prone skin, but as always it is recommended to do patch
test before using any new skincare product.
Anti-Inflammatory
Apples are
anti-inflammatory due to the presence of various vitamins and minerals such as
Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which all have anti-inflammatory
properties.
They also contain
antioxidants like quercetin which has anti-inflammatory properties, which can
help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Apples are also rich in dietary
fiber, which can help to keep the digestive system running smoothly, which in
turn can help to promote healthy, clear skin.
In addition, apples
contain compounds such as polyphenols which also have anti-inflammatory
effects.
Apples contain a compound
called phloridzin which has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects,
particularly when it comes to reducing skin redness and irritation.
Applying apple-based
masks or using commercial products that contain apple enzymes can also be
beneficial for reducing inflammation on the skin.
However, it is important to note that the anti-inflammatory properties of apples may be affected by the ripeness, cultivar and the way it was grown and stored.
Brightening
Apples are rich in
vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten the skin
and even out the skin tone. When applied topically or consumed, vitamin C can
help to:
Brighten the skin:
Vitamin C is known to inhibit the production of melanin, which is the pigment
that gives color to the skin.
By inhibiting the
production of melanin, vitamin C can help to lighten dark spots and even out
the skin tone, giving the skin a brighter and more radiant appearance.
Protect the skin from
damage: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, meaning it can neutralize harmful
free radicals that cause skin damage.
Free radicals can come
from many sources like pollution, UV light and more, by neutralizing these free
radicals, vitamin C can help to protect the skin from damage and slow down the
aging process.
It also helps to protect
the skin from sun damage, which can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Vitamin C can be found in
many skincare products, but it is also possible to reap its benefits by
consuming it in fruits like apples.
Eating apples regularly
can provide the skin with a steady supply of vitamin C, which can help to
brighten and even out the skin tone over time.
Remember that a healthy
diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep also contributes to healthy skin.
As always is important to
consult a dermatologist if you have any concern about your skin, they can give
you the best advice according to your skin condition.
Rich in Flavonoids and polyphenols
Apples are a rich source
of flavonoids and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been shown to
have various health benefits.
Flavonoids are a class of
plant compounds that are particularly abundant in fruits and vegetables.
They are known to have
antioxidant properties, which means they can help protect cells from damage
caused by free radicals.
Apples contain several
different types of flavonoids, including quercetin, catechin, and procyanidin.
These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and
anti-aging effects.
Polyphenols are a diverse
group of plant compounds that also have antioxidant properties. Apples contain
several types of polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid and epicatechin.
These compounds have been
shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart
disease, diabetes, and some cancers. They also help in maintaining the gut
health and metabolism.
The skin of the apples is
rich source of Polyphenols, eating the whole fruit is beneficial to gain the
maximum health benefits.
It is recommended to
consume a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you get a wide range
of flavonoids and polyphenols, but apples are a great source of these
beneficial compounds.
Helps in maintaining skin elasticity
Apple is a great source
of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity.
Vitamin C helps to boost
collagen production, which is a protein that gives skin its elasticity and
firmness.
Apples also contain
antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Additionally, apples
contain a variety of other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the
skin, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and potassium.
Eating an apple daily, or
applying apple juice on the skin can help to maintain skin elasticity and
overall skin health.
Rich in fiber
Apple is rich in fiber
due to the presence of both soluble and insoluble fibers in the fruit.
Soluble fibers, such as
pectin, are found in the flesh and skin of the apple and help to regulate blood
sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
Insoluble fibers, such as
cellulose and lignin, are found in the skin and core of the apple and help to
promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Eating an apple with the skin on is the best way to consume all the fibers. Additionally, Apple also contains antioxidants and vitamin C which is beneficial for the body.
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