You may have heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Well, there’s actually a lot of validity to that statement. Apples are a powerhouse fruit that can reverse many ailments and prevent health damage. For instance, did you know that apples can help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s?

The antioxidants in apples contain high levels of antioxidants that ward off other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In addition to being good for the brain, it’s also great for the heart. Because it contains a type of flavonoid called, procyanidins, consuming apples will help lower bad cholesterol levels. Thus, it helps with lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Apples are regularly sprayed with pesticides, so you want to look for the ones that are organic. If you don’t have an organic option, you can wash, boil, peel or core the apple before eating.

If you’re curious whether or not you should go for the red or the green apple, just note that eating an apple is the most important thing out of the equation. However, red apples have higher anthocynanin – which is best for the heart. They also contain more fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin-K.

Finally, just note that if you peel the apple you may not get as much nutrients as you would if you eat the entire thing. The peel is the most nutritious part as it contains anthocynanin – the heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering nutrient.

READ MORE: Why Apples Are One Of The Best Fruits You Can Eat