Amazing Apple Benefits
The humble apple benefits our health in so many ways - it is such an amazing super food! Apples are so easy to find all year round and very affordable. We’ve all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This may be very true, because they pack quite a nutrient punch! Lets take a look at some of the benefits we get from this delicious fruit:
How the Apple Benefits Us
This common fruit contains 12 vitamins, 13 minerals and hundreds of phytochemicals of which many are proven detoxifiers and cell protectors. They are a powerful source of antioxidants and vitamin C as well as being high in potassium.
They are very high in
soluble and insoluble fiber
which help to keep the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels under control, even lowering them. Their high fiber content helps prevent heart disease and can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
This incredible fruit is high in flavinoids which are known to help lower the risk of hear disease, reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure and provide antioxidant protection.
They help prevent lung cancer as well as improve lung function. Flavonoids unique to this fruit are thought to play an important role in the support of lung function and lung health. They reduce the risk and severity of asthma. It seems that children who drink apple juice daily have less severe asthma compared to those who drink the juice one a month. Diluting the juice with boiling water makes a delicious and healthy hot beverage.
The quercetin in this fruit may protect brain cells from free radical damage which leads to Alzheimer’s disease.
They help prevent osteoporosis. A flavanoid called phloridzin which is found only in this fruit may increase bone density and offer protection from osteoporosis. They also contain boron which strengthens bones. In grated form, they can stop diarrhoea and the high pectin level stimulates the movement of the digestive tract which aids natural bowel elimination.
The skin contains a huge amount of antioxidants – much more than the flesh alone. The different skin colours contain different antioxidants, so eating a wide variety with the skin on is a great idea. This amazing fruit is low GI, so it keeps the body’s blood sugar stable and contains relatively few calories making them an ideal snack.
To summarise, here is a quick overview of Apple Benefits that we can enjoy from this numble fruit:
- Provide antioxidant protection
- Aid iron absorption
- Help to keep bad LDL cholesterol level in check and can even lower it.
- Help prevent heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.
- Reduce the risk of lung cancer, improve lung function and reduce the severity of asthma.
- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Help regulate blood pressure
- Help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Strengthen bones and help prevent osteoporosis.
- Help remove heavy metals from food in the gut
- Keep bowels clean and healthy be aiding natural bowel elimination
- It can help stop diarrhoea
This ancient fruit may not have the appeal of more exotic super foods, but they are by no means less special. With their high fiber, antioxidant and flavanoid content, they are without a doubt one of the healthiest foods in the world!
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