An apple a day keeps the doctor away

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

This wonderful fruit is packed with rich phyto-nutrients that in the true senses indispensable for optimal health. Delicious and crunchy apple fruit is one of the most popular fruits, favorite of health conscious, fitness lovers who believe in the concept “health is wealth.” The antioxidants in apple have much health promoting and disease prevention properties; thus truly justifying the adage.

Eye Disorders - Apples are believed to make the eyes strong and improve eye-sight. It also helps in treating night blindness.

Skin Care - Pastes of apple and honey, and apple and milk when applied on the skin increase it shine and glow.

Dental Care - Eating apples helps in cleaning teeth and gum. It reduces the incidence of cavities in teeth. When you eat apples, the fiber in it cleanses the teeth, while the antiviral properties of the fruit keep bacteria and virus away.

Avoid Alzheimer’s - A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.

Protect against Parkinson’s - Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fibre foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.

Curb all sorts of cancers - Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Reduce cholesterol - The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates intolower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

Get a healthier heart - An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

Prevent gallstones - Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fibre to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.

Beat diarrhea and constipation - Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fibre found in apples can help. Fibre can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.

Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome - Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fibre in your diet.

Avert hemorrhoids - Hemorrhoids are a swollen vein in the anal canal and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. They are caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas. Part and parcel with controlling constipation, fibre can prevent you from straining too much when going to the bathroom and thereby help alleviate hemorrhoids.

Control your weight - Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To manage your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fibre.Foods high in fibre will fill you up without costing you too many calories.

Detoxify your liver - We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits—like apples.

Boost your immune system - Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found thatquercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.

Prevent cataracts - Though past studies have been divided on the issue, recent long-term studies suggest that people who have a diet rich in fruits that contain antioxidants—like apples—are 10 to 15 per cent less likely to develop cataracts.

Digestion- Apples being rich in fiber help in digestion. Regular consumption of apples ensures smooth bowel movements and helps in preventing consitipation and stomach disorders.

Anaemia-Apples are useful in treting anaemia as it is rich in apples. Anaemia is the deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood which can increased with the intake of iron rich diet such as apples.

Weakness-Apples are known to remove weakness and add vigour and vitality of weak people. It is, therefore, often given to patients to help them recover fast from their illness. If you want to gain weight, apple should be a part of your diet daily. It also helps in detoxifying the body and improve the overall health.

Heart Disease - Apple lowers the level of cholesterol and hence it is beneficial for the heart.

Rheumatism - Patients who are suffering from rheumatism find apples very useful as it aids in the healing process.

Apples also help in treating gout, and dysentry. Recent research has also revealed that apples have chemicals such as flavanoids and polyphenols which can help fight cancers. It is therefore, rightly, said - An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

When you buy apples make sure they are firm. Dont buy apples that have wrinkles as such apples have lost most of their health benefits and nutritional value.