-Apples: Crunch Your Way to Healthier Eating.
Summary:
Apples provide a lot of
fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're fat-free,
cholesterol-free, and sodium-free. In short, eating apples is a wise addition
to a balanced diet.
Crunching on
a juicy apple is the simplest way to add some nourishment to your day. You most
likely first tasted it as a baby, when applesauce exposed you to real food. And
now you think of apples as old friends, whether they're Granny Smith, McIntosh,
or Red Delicious. Apples, which are grown all over the world, are abundant in
fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're fat-free,
cholesterol-free, and sodium-free. In short, eating apples is a wise addition
to a balanced diet.
6 Ways Apples Can Help You Stay Healthy.
It controls your day.
You no
longer have to be concerned about remaining consistent. Apples can aid you
whether you go to the restroom too often or not enough.
Dr. D.P
Burkitt, a British researcher, believes that avoiding constipation is one of
the simplest methods to prevent a variety of ailments. He refers to chronic
constipation-related disorders as "pressure diseases." Straining to
pass small, hard stools can result in appendicitis, diverticular illnesses,
hemorrhoids, Hiatal hernias, and even varicose veins.
One apple
with its skin includes 4 to 5 grams of fiber, the most vital ingredient in
keeping your bowels running smoothly. It may be as simple as replacing your
afternoon snack of potato chips or cookies with a crisp, sweet apple to keep
yourself regular without relying on hazardous laxatives. Consider the calories
you'll save. The average apple contains around 80 calories, while a portion of
chips contains 150 calories and a few cookies include about 200.
But apples
are capable of much more. They also help with diarrhea because of a component
called pectin. This carbohydrate congeals in your intestines, helping to firm
things up and return you to normal. Because it is produced without high-fiber skin, applesauce is the ideal apple product for diarrhea. But be
wary of added sugar. Some applesauce brands inject a lot of sweeteners into an
otherwise healthy dish, and too much-refined sugar may aggravate your diarrhea.
Maintains the youth of your physique.
You're
probably aware that antioxidants can protect you from many of the ailments
associated with aging. In fact, so many individuals use antioxidant supplements
that it's become a multibillion-dollar industry. However, evidence is
accumulating that entire foods can be more beneficial than medications.
When
scientists compared a 1,500-milligram vitamin C supplement to one tiny apple,
the antioxidant levels were comparable. This indicates that a fresh apple
contains more than 15 times the antioxidant potential of the daily recommended
dose of vitamin C. And that's just to get started. The researchers also
discovered that a regular apple could inhibit the growth of colon and liver
cancer cells in test tubes. Unpeeled apples worked exceptionally well. The
point is, why waste money on flavorless supplements when you may obtain more
antioxidant punch from a sweet, crisp fruit?
Reduces your
chances of developing heart disease. It can be difficult to remember which
foods are excellent for certain parts of your body. Examine an apple
attentively the next time you pick one up. It's shaped like a heart, which
should help you remember that apples are excellent for your heart.
The magnesium and potassium in apples help regulate your blood pressure and keep
your heart pumping consistently, while the flavonoid quercetin, a naturally
occurring antioxidant, preserves your artery walls and keeps your blood flowing
freely.
In fact, eating flavonoid-rich foods like apples has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. A study of Japanese women who ate foods high in quercetin provided evidence of this. They were less likely to develop coronary heart disease than other women, and their total and LDL or bad, cholesterol levels were lower.
Strikes at the epicenter of strokes.
Apples are
also a good choice for preventing strokes. Scientists aren't sure which
chemical in this multi-talented fruit is to blame, but the link is clear:
people who eat apples daily are less likely to have strokes than
those who don't.
It safeguards your joints.
People with
arthritis are rare in places of the world where fruits and vegetables are
abundant. In modernized countries where fruits and vegetables have been
replaced by quick, processed food, up to 70% of the population suffers from
some form of arthritis. Is it just a coincidence? According to nutritionists,
no. They attribute this development to boron, a trace mineral that many plants,
including apples, acquire from the soil.
Most people
acquire 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) of boron per day, largely through non-citrus
fruits, green vegetables, and nuts. However, experts estimate that you need
anything from 3 to 10 milligrams every day to reduce your risk of arthritis. To
reach this level of boron intake, you'd have to consume more than nine apples
every day.
This is
definitely an unreasonable sum for most people, but don't be discouraged.
Combine an apple with additional boron-rich foods, such as a few tablespoons of
peanut butter and a large handful of raisins, and you'll not only have a great
afternoon snack, but you'll also meet your boron quota.
It allows
you to breathe deeply. Cigarette smoke, air pollution, pollen, and other airborne
toxins attack your lungs every day.
Furthermore,
you may have asthma, emphysema, or another lung problem. Grab an apple if all
you want to do is take a deep breath.
A five-year study of almost 2,500 men in Wales discovered that individuals who ate five or more apples per week could fill their lungs with more air than guys who did not consume apples. According to experts, the antioxidant quercetin may provide you with additional protection. Unfortunately, eating apples will not correct an existing lung problem, but it may provide a fresh line of protection against additional damage.
Pointers for the pantry
Buy apples
that are not bruised, are firm, and have a nice color. Remove them from their
plastic bag and place them in your refrigerator, either loose in the produce
bin or in a paper bag. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods like garlic
and onions since they absorb odors.