Everybody has heard the saying‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ but is there any health wisdom behind the proverb or is it merely a ploy to encourage healthy eating?
- Apples protect bone health – one of the chemicals found in apples actually has bone protection properties. Phloridzin, a flavanoid known for it’s antioxidant properties, strengthens bone density and has been linked to protecting post-menopausal women from osteoarthritis.
- Apples are full of vitamin C – One of the most beneficial vitamins for health is found in large quantities in apples. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and is essential for tissue and muscle repair.
- Apples can help prevent asthma attacks – Studies have shown that not only does eating apples help reduce the number of asthma attacks in children but pregnant women who regularly eat apples have children who are less likely to suffer from asthma and other allergies.
- Apples can help prevent bad cholesterol – phenols, a chemical contained in apples, lowers bad cholesterol and raises levels of good cholesterol. Lowering levels of bad cholesterol in the body reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and other heart problems.
- Apples prevent tooth decay – eating apples reduces the harmful bacteria in your mouth by up to 70% -reducing the risk of tooth decay and other bacterial related dental problems.
- Apples aid weight loss – not only are apples an excellent low calorie snack for people watching their weight but they also contain slow releasing natural sugars that can prevent sugar cravings
- Apples can reduce cancer risks – although the exact reasons behind the findings are unclear, eating an apple a day has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and liver cancer
- Apples provide crunch for the palate and delight to the senses – Eating crunchy textured, colourful, juicy foods helps stabilise mood, control stress-related eating problems and can help maintain a healthy, balanced diet
So will an apple a day keep the doctor away? There’s no guarantee increasing your apple consumption will keep all health problems at bay, but the numerous health benefits of apples can certainly reduce the risk of many problems requiring doctors visits.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/can-an-apple-a-day-really-keep-the-doctor-away-1760440.html