A nutrient that is abundant in apples may possibly protect against the cognitive decline that comes with age and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. An antioxidant called Quercetin, found in apples, blueberries, cranberries, tea and onions belongs to a group of substances called flavonoids. A flavonoid is a naturally occurring chemical compound that helps give plants their color. Most flavonoids are potent antioxidants and Quercetin is one of the best. Food scientist Chang Y. Lee has conducted recent studies on rats and he has found that Quercetin protected the rats brain cells from damage. More research is needed to see how much and how well this relates to humans. But an apple a day will provide a significant amount of Quercetin and other flavonoids and nutrients and we’ve always heard how “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. Given the potential benefits of quercetin it is probably good advice. Please note that it is important to eat fresh apples with the skin rather than apple juice or applesauce because the quercetin is found mainly in the skins of the fruit.
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