Emile MackieWhat makes this fruit so special that Welsh made a proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Everyone is well-known with this long-standing saying and might have heard it a thousand times, but you will be extremely amazed to know that this crimson and glossy ball of flavour, other than from being delicious, is highly nourishing and can cure various health concerns. Read below to find out some health benefits of apples.
15 Health Benefits of Apples
1. Get Whiter, Healthier Teeth
While biting and chewing an apple, the production of saliva in the mouth gets kindled. It reduces tooth decay by lowering the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
2. Avoids Alzheimer’s Disease
According to some researches, drinking apple juice could also keep you risk-free from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
A neurotransmitter, known as acetylcholine, in apple also helps in improving brain power and memory.
3. Protects against Parkinson’s Disease
A number of researches have shown that people, who consume more fruits and other high-fibre foods, are at a less risk from getting prone to Parkinson’s disease. The antioxidants contained in apple help in curing Parkinson’s disease.
4. Curbs all Sorts of Cancers
Apples are rich in flavonol, which helps in reducing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer up to 23%. Some studies have also revealed that triterpenoids in apple peel encompasses strong anti-growth activities against cancer cells. This anti-growth activity curbs down the cancer of colon, liver and breast.
5. Decreases your Risk of Diabetes
Apples contain soluble fibres, which manages the level of blood sugar inside our body. Women, who eat at least one apple a day, are likely to be at lesser risk of having type-2 diabetes.
6. Reduces Cholesterol
Apples contain soluble fibre, which binds with the intestine. It lowers the level of cholesterol and provides you good health.
7. Get a Healthier Heart
The phenolic contents found in the skin of apple also put off the cholesterol from solidifying on the walls of arteries. When formation of plaque starts to build-up on your arteries, it automatically reduces the flow of blood to the heart, which leads to coronary artery ailment. An apple a day keeps your heart healthy.
8. Prevents Gallstones
Gallstones forms when the level of cholesterol increases in your body. This result in the solidification of the liquid cholesterol present in your bile. This problem especially prevails with people, who are obese. To prevent gallstones, a high fibre diet is recommended, and apple is highly fibrous. It not only reduces cholesterol levels, but also reduces weight.
9. Beats Diarrhoea and Constipation
Fibres found in apples can help in resolving the problems of constipation and diarrhoea. Fibres facilitate in either pulling out water from your colon to keep things moving or soak surplus water from your stool to slow down your bowels.
10. Neutralizes Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The fibre present in the apple also treats and curbs down the ailment of irritable bowel syndrome. It reduces the pain and bloating in the abdomen.
11. Averts Haemorrhoids
An apple also cures haemorrhoids because of which, the veins in the anal canals swell. However, they are not serious, but are extremely painful. Haemorrhoids are caused by applying too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas. The fibrous apple can alleviate this problem.
12. Controls your Weight
Obesity welcomes various diseases along with it, like heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. High fibre fruits, like apple, assist in managing the weight and keeping you fit.
13. Detoxifies your Liver
Liver is responsible for detoxification of toxins from our body. One of the best and healthiest things that you can eat to detoxify your liver is apple.
14. Boosts Your Immune System
Red apples include an antioxidant, called quercetin, which have been observed as a booster and fortifier of your immune system by some recent studies. It especially works when you are stressed out.
15. Prevents Cataract
People, who consume a diet rich in fruits, like apples, have 10-15% less chances of developing cataract.
Should You Buy Organic Apples?
This concludes the 15 health benefits of apples. During your search in supermarkets, you’ll come across organic apples and regular fruits. But, which one should you add to your basket?
Non-organic apples are sprayed with pesticide as tractors drive close to apple trees and release a spraying device. As a result, the pesticide coats the apple’s skin and seeps through to the core, leaving your ‘healthy’ fruit packed with chemicals. We all know that we should avoid pesticides, but this chemical has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, ADHD, and even attacking your brain and nervous system.
So, why are fruits contaminated with pesticides? A spritz of pesticide keeps bugs and flies away from the fruit so they don’t enter inside or snack on a juicy apple. But this toxin is deadly to humans, and studies haven’t concluded its impact on the environment. If you’re going to invest in your health, make sure you’re consuming chemical-free food. When comparing the taste of an organic apple to one riddled with pesticides, you’ll dramatically notice the difference in freshness and sweetness.
Avoid Processed Apples
The food industry can fool you into thinking you’re making the best choices for your health, when really, you’re feeding into their hands. Eating a fresh apple is a more intelligent choice than consuming a bag of apple-flavored chips. Many of these snacks are heavily processed with sugars (apart from a minute selection of brands). Always check the ingredients to ensure they’re made purely from apple. A few added spices and additional fruits will enhance the flavor. But if the food contains ingredients you can’t pronounce, avoid and head to the fresh aisle instead.
Cloe Ratliff
