I remember growing up and hearing that Apple A Day thing, but as it turns out, it's really true! Apples are one of the world's best superfoods!
Please take note that it's also on the top of the Dirty Dozen http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php list of fruits that are heavily sprayed with pesticides, so please buy organic!
- Apples are packed with disease-fighting vitamins and antioxidants.
- Eating apples has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia.
Eating apples in their whole form, or juicing them in a juicer that juices the whole fruit and maintains the pulp, will give you the synergystic blend of nutrients and fiber the way nature intended. Drinking bottled apple juice will not give you the same health benefits. Much of the apples' antioxidant benefits is contained in the peel.
Apples are high in vitamin C and also provide vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant. They also contain fiber which can help prevent absorption of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Apples are a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), thiamin (B1), and pyrodoxine (vitmain B6), which together release enzyme power to support metabolism and other vital functions inside the body.
Other minerals in apples include: iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium and potassium, which are important components in helping to control heart rate and blood pressure.
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 percent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds called triterpenoids which are in apple peels, that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast.
Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.
So what are you waiting for?? Next time you're looking for something to munch on, grab an apple! It makes a great midday snack, and if you add a handful of raw almonds you will add some protein to give you even more of a boost!
That's it for now,
Until next time - "Live Now-Live Well!"
Tracy
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