The Apple Of My Eye

I have a secret passion. I love apples. I enjoy Fuji, Red Delicious and Gala, but my favorite of all times is Granny Smith(don't ask). Of course, this article is not about me sharing my love for a particular fruit with you. No, in keeping with the theme of this blog, this article is about how this particular fruit can help you stay healthy and fit. Plus, they're delicious!

Apples are good for you. Not only are they delicious, they contain certain substances that would help to maintain healthy bodies. They are a good source of dietary fiber, they are rich in phytochemical(compounds found in plants, fruits, and vegetables that can act as anti-oxidants) and they are the best source for the mineral boron which helps to promote bone growth. Because of the high fiber and phytochemical content of apples, it has been found that eating apples helps to reduce blood cholesterol, improve bowel function, reduce risk of stroke, prostate cancer, Type II diabetes and even asthma. In addition, the high fiber content helps to slow the release of sugars into the body, helping to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Recent researches have shown that eating apples are linked to reduced cancer risk in several studies. Some examples are :

• Quercetin, a flavonoid abundant in apples has been found to help prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Phytonutrients in the skin of apples inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells by 43%.
• Dietary nutrients such as flavonoids (found in apples) have inhibitory effects on the development of carcinogenic substances in the bladder, thereby reducing the risk of bladder cancer, especially in smokers.

Besides the therapeutic benefits, apples are also found to play a role in inhibiting ageing-related problems, preventing wrinkles and promoting hair growth. It seems that an apple a day really does keep the doctor away.

Apples can be beneficial for weight loss because they are low in calories, fat and sodium and contain vitamins and minerals. These can all help to lose weight in different ways. The low calories mean we can eat apples without consuming too much energy. Lower sodium intake helps flush excess water weight from the body. While the vitamins benefit us by increasing health and vitality to keep us active throughout the day. Increased vitality helps burn extra calories to speed up weight loss.

As you can see apples are a great source of goodness and nutrition. A single apple contains no fat or cholesterol, and provides more fibre than a serving of oatmeal. So, if you're thinking of skipping meals, try munching apples. You can rest assured you're getting a healthy dose of essential nutrients. Plus, they're delicious. :) Thanks for your ear and keep reading!