Antioxidants in Apples

Apples are a sweet source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and an array of cancer-fighting polyphenols that work in concert to exert a powerful effect. A baseball-size apple contains, on average, just 6 milligrams of vitamin C, but because the phytonutrients work synergistically, the apple’s antioxidant activity is equal to 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C. In a study of more than 7,000 adults, people who regularly ate apples experienced some very specific disease-preventing benefits: a 30 percent decreased risk for high blood pressure and significantly reduced inflammation markers.

Choose It & Use It

Conventionally grown apples are heavily treated with pesticides, so opt for organic when possible. And eat the peel: polyphenols are five times more prevalent in apple skin than flesh. Notably, Red Delicious apples are higher in antioxidants than Gala or Fuji.