Apples are a great choice if you’re trying to stay healthy, in part because of their role in maintaining healthy digestion.
You and Your Gut
In the digestive system, the gut microbial community (or “microbiota”) provides benefits like digestion, production of nutrients, detoxification, protection against pathogens and regulating your immune system.
The microbiota produces molecular signals that support the development of immune cells and help fine-tune immune responses. In this way, the microbiota can regulate not just the immune system within your intestines, but in your whole body!
How do apples keep you healthy?
The pectin in apples is a prebiotic, providing food for friendly gut bacteria. Pectin is a type of dietary fiber that is highly fermentable, soluble, and viscous. This means it is easy for gut bacteria to use for growth – good food for your microbiota! Research suggests that apple pectin can promote the body’s production of anti-inflammatory blood proteins called cytokines.