A lot of knowledge is passed to the next generation through proverbs. For example, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” has been a popular saying since the 1800s and the reason is that it’s true. We rely on facts and scientifically based knowledge at Revolution Training in Stamford, CT, and the facts are, apples are very healthy. There is a caveat. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and consume junk food for most of your diet, eating one or more apples each day may help, but may not keep you healthy. That doesn’t take away from its health benefits.
Apples are loaded with healthy fiber, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.
A medium size apple is just 100 calories, but it contains 16 % of the RDI of fiber, 6% of the RDI for potassium, 14% of the RDI of vitamin C, and 5% of the RDI for vitamin D. It has copper, manganese and also smaller amounts of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E. Apples also contain powerful phytonutrients such as quercetin, catechin, and chloric acid. Quercetin is anti-inflammatory. Catechin is an antioxidant that’s also found in green tea. Chlorogenic acid, which is also in coffee, helps control weight and lower blood sugar levels.
Apples make your belly bugs happy.
You’ll feed the beneficial microbes in your gut when you eat apples. Apples contain soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels and provide prebiotic benefits. Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Having good gut health and a diverse collection of beneficial microbes affects everything from digestion to brain and emotional health. Apples are healthy when they’re raw, but stewed apples have additional benefits. The effects of the pectin in stewed apples are more pronounced, so the pectin provides more benefits for maintaining and repairing the intestinal mucosa lining, reducing inflammation, eliminating toxins, and modulating the bacteria in the gut.
Improve your heart health by eating apples.
The fiber in apples feeds the beneficial microbes that help lower cholesterol levels. Studies show eating apples is as effective as many cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, but without the side effects. One study compared apples to statins and found eating apples was similar in lowering death rates from heart disease. Apples also contain a flavonoid called epicatechin. It helps lower blood pressure, another heart-healthy benefit. The skin also contains anthocyanins and other polyphenols, which also help lower cholesterol levels.
- Obesity is the leading cause of preventable deaths. Apples help promote weight loss. It does that by increasing the fiber, making you feel fuller. Apple juice or applesauce won’t provide the same benefit.
- Apples can help people with osteoporosis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that apples contain help slow calcium loss.
- Apples can provide dental benefits. Eating apples promotes saliva, which can help keep the teeth healthier and brighter. Apples also contain nutrients that help boost healthy gums.
- Apples can help reduce the risk of asthma, cancer and diabetes if you eat them regularly. The antioxidants also help protect the immune system and lungs.
For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training