We have all heard that old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, an apple might not keep the doctor away; but it may help you to need the doctor less often. Apples are available all year ‘round, but they are particularly full of flavor in the fall. Why not add apples to your daily diet and enjoy the health benefits?
Apples are full of fiber, which benefits our health in so many ways. Recent studies show that women who eat an apple a day are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes – the odds are reduced by 28 percent. The fiber in apples binds with fats in the intestines, which lowers cholesterol and results in better health. Don’t discard the apple skins; they contain a phenolic compound that has been found to prevent cholesterol from solidifying on your artery walls if it gets into your cardiovascular system. The result: a healthier heart.
Apples are available all year ‘round, but they are particularly full of flavor in the fall. Why not add apples to your daily diet and enjoy the health benefits?
Recent research has found a correlation between apple consumption and Alzheimer’s disease. Mice that were fed apples and drank apple juice had a higher level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. They also performed better in mazes than those that did not consume the apple juice. Researchers are hoping that apples may help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s and slow the aging of the brain. Doctors are busy studying the effects that apples may have on the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well. Some results suggest that the high fiber content in apples can give a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s because of the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained in apple flesh.
Did you know that apples may be a big help in boosting your immune system? When you go to the local market, pick up red apples – they contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Studies are being done about the effects quercetin has on the immune system, especially in times of great stress. They have found that quercetin also aids endurance by making oxygen more available to the lungs; it has helped people ride a bike for a longer time and more effectively.
Scientists have found that not only does an apple contain quercetin, but it also has the antioxidant, flavanol. The American Association for Cancer Research has found that flavanol may reduce pancreatic cancer risk by 23 percent. Plus, the triterpenoids found in apple skin seem to slow the growth or be anti-growth in regard to breast, colon and liver cancers. Research has also found a link between the high fiber content of apples and a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Apples can enhance a diet plan and be a great ally in the battle to lose weight. In one study, women were asked to eat dried apples, and those who did lost more weight than those in the group who did not consume the extra apple. Researchers believe the fiber pectin contributed to the weight loss. Plus, the quercetin in apples may help with an exercise program by improving our ability to work out for longer periods of time.
The next time you’re shopping in the organic produce section, make sure you pick up some delicious apples. They come in many colors and flavors, and they will benefit your mind and body!
