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.