A big red apple can be a delicious, healthy treat when you have a craving for fruit, but the benefits of apples may go far beyond this is you're interested in taking off excess pounds. A red, delicious apple may be just the boost your body needs to take off those excess pounds. Why are apples so beneficial for weight loss?
They're Low in Calories
A medium sized apple has a calorie content of around seventy calories. Although they're higher in calories than some fruits and many vegetables, it can take some time to eat an entire apple. If you indulge in the average candy bar instead, you're going to get less than a third of a candy bar for the same amount of calories which you'll probably eat pretty quickly.
They're High in Pectin
Pectin is an indigestible soluble fiber that helps to promote good digestive health. It also promotes a sense of fullness, meaning you'll be less likely to snack for several hours after eating a high pectin food. Fortunately, apples are loaded with pectin meaning you're less likely to reach for that high calorie chocolate cake after eating your apple. As a bonus, foods high in pectin also appear to lower LDL cholesterol which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Studies Confirm Weight Loss Benefits
A study was performed where overweight women were given one of three dietary supplements which were pears, apples, or oat cookies to determine their effect on blood glucose levels and weight loss. The women given the apple and pear supplements were found to have a greater decrease in blood glucose levels as well as greater weight loss than those supplemented with oat cookies.
They Have a High Water Content
Apples are a low caloric density food which means they have a concentration of water relative to their calorie content. This allows you to have a greater sense of fullness while taking in fewer calories. When you eat an apple before a meal, it's been shown that you'll consume less calories with your regular meal and are less likely to splurge on high carb desserts and other unhealthy food items.
As you can see, apples can be an excellent addition to a weight loss program. See if they can help you lose those last few pounds.
