Help protect your brain

Apples include quercetin, an antioxidant plant chemical that keeps your mental juices flowing by protecting your brain cells. According to Cornell University researchers, quercetin protects your brain cells from free radical attacks, which can damage the delicate outer covering of neurons and contribute to cognitive decline.

The antioxidant effects of quercetin have been shown in rats to protect the brain and nerves from oxidative damage and to prevent injuries that can lead to degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Quercetin may also protect nerves from stress-related nerve damage by regulating oxidative and inflammatory stress markers. However, keep in mind that the majority of studies focus on a particular compound rather than whole apples. As a result, further study is required before any conclusions can be reached.