"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old
Welsh proverb that most of us are familiar with, but what makes this fruit so
special? What health benefits are associated with eating apples? Let’s talk
about it today,
As one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits in the
world, apples are continuously being honored as a "miracle food".
And, here is why,
Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants,
flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in
apples may help reduce the risk of
developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart
disease in adults.
Improving neurological health
A 2010 study published in the Sage Journal, found
that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of
two compounds that helped to reduce cellular the death that is caused by
oxidation and inflammation of neurons.
Another study presented at the same conference and published
in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggested that apple juice
consumption may increase production in the brain of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory among mice who
have Alzheimer's-like symptoms.
Reducing your risk of stroke
A study involving more than nine thousand men and women
showed that those who ate the most apples over a 28-year period had the lowest risk for stroke.
The researchers concluded that the intake of apples is
related to a decreased risk of thrombotic stroke.
Lowering levels of bad cholesterol
Researches have proven that older women who ate apples every day had 23% less bad cholesterol (LDL) and 4% more good cholesterol
(HDL) after just six months.
Reducing your risk of diabetes
Apples could also help lower your risk of diabetes. A study in
Florida University involving 187,382 people found that people who ate
three servings per week of apples, grapes, raisins, blueberries or
pears had a 7% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to
those who did not.
Warding off breast cancer
There is growing evidence suggesting that an apple a day may
help prevent breast cancer, according to a series of studies conducted by
prominent Cornell Researcher Rui Hai Liu.
Liu said her research "the growing evidence
that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, including apples, would
provide consumers with more phenolic, which are proving to have important
health benefits. I would encourage consumers to eat more and a wide variety of
fruits and vegetables daily."
Obesity
In a study published in the journal Food Chemistry in
2016, a team of researchers analyzed how the bioactive compounds of seven
different varieties of apples - Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Golden
Delicious, McIntosh and Red Delicious - affected the good gut bacteria of
diet-induced obese mice.
The researchers found that, compared with all other apple
varieties, Granny Smiths appeared to have the most beneficial effect on good
gut bacteria. They suggest that their findings may lead to strategies that
prevent obesity and its associated disorders.
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