Most of us know the old wise saying “an apple a day keeps a doctor away,” but haven’t you always wondered what is it about this fruit which makes it so unique and special? Read further to know why the Welsh proverb holds more truth than we may know.
Nutritional Constitution of Apples
According to many research studies, it is safe to call apples the “nutritional powerhouses.” They are stacked with Vitamin C and this being a natural antioxidant, protects the body against any free radical damage while boosting the immune system against many infectious diseases. Further nutritional constituents of apples include B-complex Vitamins. These vitamins (think of riboflavin, thiamin and Vitamin B-6) are essential promoters of good nervous health and health of the red blood cells. Also jam-packed with fiber, apples prevent the rise of bad cholesterol pool in the body. Calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus are some of its other constituents.
What Are Apples Good For?
Improve neurologic health with apples:the fruit contains an antioxidant called “quercetin” which reduces cellular death driven by oxidation and inflammation of neurons. While protecting neuron cells against oxidative stress-induced toxicity, apples also provide protection again degenerative disorders of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduce bad cholesterol with apples: Apples have often been referred to as the “miracle fruit.” It has been made evident through several studies that people who consume apples have considerably lower bad cholesterol “LDL” than those who don’t regularly eat apples. Consequently, with decreased levels of bad cholesterol and elevated levels of the good cholesterol “HDL” the risk of coronary heart disease is also markedly reduced.
Curb against all sorts of cancers with apples: Flavonol in apples and any other fruit has proved to be of immense benefit in the health industry. Studies have established a strong relationship between the consumption of flavonol-rich apples and a 23% decrease in pancreatic cancer. Another group of compounds “triterpenoids” found in abundance in apple peels have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast.
Apples for a healthier heart: An extensive body of research has made the relationship of high fiber intake with slower build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in the arteries quite evident. The role of plaque in coronary artery disease and reduced function of heart is quite deteriorating for the health of a person. The phenolic compound found in apples prevents the solidification of cholesterol (which makes up most of the plaque) in the arteries. This promotes a healthy and unhindered flow of blood through the blood vessels of the heart.
Prevent gallstones with apples: The high fiber content of apples also prevents the formation of gallstones. These gallstones are formed when the cholesterol level in the bile elevates to a level high enough for it to remain in the form of liquid. Thus, it solidifies. Gallstones are mostly seen in obese people. Eating apples is an easy prevention.
Control weight gain with apples: Many diseases in the disease world are associated with obesity (think of stroke, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea). To control weight gain, scientists have, from time and time, recommended a diet high in fiber. Apples are crammed with fiber. They will fill you up without costing too many calories.
Detoxify with apples: We are constantly consuming toxins, be it in our junk food or soft drinks. Liver is the organ responsible for clearing these toxins. While the “detoxify” drinks people consume nowadays may do more harm than good, you never have to doubt apples. Apples and other fruits are the easiest way to detoxify your liver.