Apple and Health
March 2, 2010
Almost every one of us would have heard the proverb-“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. There is so much truth in this saying because apple is a fruit that can give several health benefits.
It is not only a rich source of photochemical but regular intake of apples can minimize risks associated with asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers.
Since apples are high in pectin content they can help to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Pectin is a soluble fiber that can target bad cholesterol (LDL) according to studies undertaken recently. Apples can also help you have a healthy heart and maintain ideal weight because they do not have fat content, sodium or cholesterol. Not only this, apples are rich in fiber content. Both insoluble and soluble fiber is present in apple which makes it an ideal fruit for consumption by diabetics. Blood sugar can be regulated because of the soluble fiber present in apples and a sudden decrease or increase in serum sugar levels can be prevented by its consumption. Fiber is useful because it can help maintain regularity of heart beat and in promoting heart health.
You can find several minerals and vitamins in apples which is another advantage. Joint problems can be prevented because of the presence of small amounts of potassium in apples. This also helps to guard against heart ailments and to maintain healthy blood pressure. It can also rejuvenate skin and leave you with a glowing complexion. You can eat apples daily. It is better to eat apples along with its skin for getting all the major health benefits. It is also rich in flavonoids and polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that can help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis in women who have reached menopausal age. It has also been found that children who drank apple juice regularly suffered from lesser attacks of wheezing than others who drank the juice rarely. Quercetin found in apples can protect brain cells and guard against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Breast, lung and colon cancers can also be prevented through the regular intake of apples. Apples can also help in the management of diabetes.
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