So many of us have been told that if we're looking for something to eat to reach for an apple. They're an extremely versatile fruit, so whether you're eating a full meal
searching for dessert, or simply in need of a snack to hold you over, they can be the perfect go-to. But, have you ever wondered why this particular fruit is the chosen one among them all?
We spoke to nutritionists and dietitians to find out exactly what makes apples so special. Their answer? It has to do with the multitude of health benefits
that come from one nutritional component found in apples—soluble fiber.
Here's why soluble fiber is important for your body, and for even more healthy eating tips
It's pretty simple actually—dietary fiber is broken down into two categories. The first is soluble fiber (which dissolves in water once it enters the body) and the second is insoluble fiber
According to the Mayo Clinic, soluble fiber retains a gel-like consistency in the body. It's this soluble fiber that provides various health benefits
The experts broke it down for us. Amy Goodson, MS RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook highlights that the soluble fiber in apples is responsible for
"lowering total and bad cholesterol, and improving your heart's health." It's heart health, she notes, to be one of the most major benefits to the intake of soluble fiber
"This form of fiber helps the body to get rid of cholesterol by sticking to it and flushing it out of the body,"