An apple a day does help keep the doctor away.

Here are five reasons why:

1.    The soluble and insoluble fibers help cleanse the intestinal tract like a broom. The pectin is so helpful to the intestines that it can decrease the risk of colon cancer.

2.    New research from University of California, Davis researchers finds that apple pectin acts as an antioxidant protecting LD-cholesterol from damaging the arteries.

3.    Apple pectin is frequently used in diet foods because it stabilizes them and allows food manufacturers to use less sugar; which is perfect for weight loss.

4.    Pectin is anti-diarrhea in that it increases the viscosity and volume of the stool. For years, pectin was used in kaopectate as a main ingredient.

5.    Pectin modifies intestinal bacterial enzyme activity so that toxic breakdown products in the gut are reduced. Apples are one of the best foods a dieter can eat, in fact, some diets advocate eating six apples a day after a day of dieter’s cheating to get back on track. Apples are one of my favorite diet foods because of the nutrient value, fiber, sense of fullness and it’s a relatively low glycemic load food.

Tags: diet foods, low glycemic load food, soluble and insoluble fiber