Apples Get an A - 30 Days of Beauty

How do you like them apples?

We all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But do you know why? Haha! Gotcha - you don't do ya?!

Well, allow yourself to get schooled in the ways of the apple. British researchers found that frequently eating apples (say four a week) vastly thwarts off lung cancer and lung disease. Even in non-smokers!

Also, Dutch scientists found that smokers who ate an apple a day were less likely to develop emphysema or bronchitis. But that doesn't give you an excuse to get all puffy now.

So how do these Pink Ladies, Granny Smiths and Washingtons do it while staying so sweet and innocent? A new study shows that the bulk of an apples' anticancer components are in its peel. Turns out, it's the skin's phytochemicals known as phenolics that are raining on cancer's evil parade.

What's more appealing? For a mere 81 calories, apples pack a huge punch of fiber, as well as pectin, which lowers cholesterol and moderates blood sugar. It's also got pretty gnarly amounts of boron - a mineral said to increase alertness and curb osteoporosis causing calcium loss. Who doesn't want to be more alert and less hunched over?

So next time your stomach growls, grab an apple. You'll satisfy your hunger and your health all at the same time. Bravo!