Apples can not only keep the doctor away, a new study from Washington State University shows they can fight against obesity. The fruit’s combination of nondigestible fiber, polyphenols and low levels of available carbohydrates, the researchers determined, benefits the growth of good bacteria in the gut that support healthy weight and metabolism. These nondigestible compounds actually changed the proportions of fecal bacteria (a reflection of gut bacteria) in mice used for the study. The result was that the poop of obese mice ended up looking similar, bacteria-wise, to that of lean mice, according to food scientist Giuliana Noratto, the lead study author. When it comes to specific apples, the Granny Smith was higher in the crucial compounds than Braeburns, Fujis, Galas, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Red Delicious.
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