It's Almost Fall—Eat Some Apples!

Studies have shown apples may be instrumental as a preventive for heart disease, some types of stroke and even cancer. The active ingredient in apple pulp is pectin, a soluble form of fiber that helps reduce "bad" cholesterol by keeping it in the intestinal tract until it is eliminated.  A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows pectin binds certain cancer-causing compounds in the colon, accelerating their removal from the body. 

European studies indicate that apple pectin can help to eliminate lead, mercury and other toxic heavy metals from the human body.

Note: Buy organic if you can and it's important to thoroughly wash apples, and to avoid eating the seeds, which can be poisonous. All apples provide super nutrients, but a variety of apples is even better.