“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
Arguably, apple is the most common fruit in the world. It’s the first thing that comes to mind, even on enumerating things based on the alphabet. In the book of Genesis, the story of Adam and Eve had apple as a representation of the fruit that they ate. As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Aren’t you wondering why apple is tagged as the fruit that will keep you from being sick?
Apple is praised as the “miracle fruit”, because it is extremely rich in anti-oxidants, flavonoids and dietary fiber. It is said that Apple have phytonutrients and anti-oxidants that help in reducing risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases.
Here are some benefits of apple that keeps our doctor away.
It keeps the dentist away
Apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria. It also makes the teeth whiter.
Forget about having an Alzheimer’s
A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could reduces the risk of having Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, it fights the effects of brain aging. But when it comes to the same effect to humans, the results have not yet been confirmed. On going studies are being conducted on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Protect against Parkinson’s
Researchers have shown that people who eat fruits and other high fiber foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s disease; a disease which is characterized by a breakdown of the brains dopamine-producing nerve cells
Fights Cancers
Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds of triterpenoids in apple peel that can fight cancer in liver, colon and breast. Antiproliferative effects of apple peel extracts were evaluated and the research showed a significant decrease in growth and clonogenic survival of the cancer cells.
Decrease risk of Diabetes
Apples are loaded with soluble fiber, the key to blunting blood sugar wings. This soluble fiber binds with fats in the intestine which translates in the lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you. Apples are also good for weight loss. It has high contents of fiber and water – two qualities that make them fill. In one study, participants who ate apple slices before a meal felt fuller than those who consumed applesauce, apple juice or no apple products, researchers think that apples are more filling because they are less energy-dense, yet still deliver fiber and volume.
Indeed a Miracle Fruit
Extensive body of research has linked high soluble fiber intake with a slower build up cholesterol rich plaque in your arteries. This gives smoother blood circulations within the body and the heart. Antioxidants found in apples also helps protecting the lungs from oxidative damage.
Aside from heart and respiratory health, eating this fruit is also linked to higher bone density, which is a marker of bone health. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may promote bone health, and eating fruit can help preserve bone mass as you age.
These are just some of the benefits of apple. With the long list of health benefits an apple can give, it is truly living with its tag as the fruit that keeps the doctor away. It won’t just be our most popular fruit, it will certainly be our apple of the eye.
About The Author
Jackylyn is an Oleia user and content contributor. She is a paradox, a conflicted contradiction. If she can’t figure herself out, there’s no way anyone else can.
