September 8, 2010

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! We all know this very well. However, in average we eat only 65-70 apples a year… But who does not like warm and almost therapeutic smell of an apple pie with cinnamon? Apples are definitely among the most common fruit in our latitudes, which are available and affordable year round. But do they really as beneficial and healthy as the old proverb says? Let’s try to find out together.

Though apples have caused a serious problem for the whole humanity in the Garden of Eden, many of us like apples a lot and eat them almost every day as a very healthy and nutritious snack. Apples range from slightly tart and sourish to quite sweet and juicy, and it is interesting that the spicy belongs to rose family. Apples are very easy to store and handle, and they are considered a very easy-to-consume food, which provides us with a variety of benefits.

Health benefits of applesApples are known as a rich source of dietary fiber, therefore the key health benefits of apples include positive effects on the function of our digestive system. Apples are very rich in iron, a mineral that supports of cardio-vascular health and keeps our blood quality high. Besides, nutritional values of apples are derived from its rich content which includes Vitamins A, C, G and B complex, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, as well as flavonoids, natural acids, pectin, polyphenols and other natural nutrients.

Many of important health benefits of apples are provided by a high content of antioxidants, which support our heart health, inhibit the activities of free radicals and slow down aging processes, as well as protect us from many types of cancer. In particular, studies have shown that by daily consumption of apples it is possible to lower the risks of breast and lung cancer in women, as well as colon and liver cancer. In addition, apples can lower the risks of asthma and other respiratory system problems.

Apples are very beneficial for those who want to put off weight. Eating 1-2 apples a day is linked to lower cholesterol levels in blood as well as more effective fat burning. Apple skin is rich with pectin which stimulates detoxification, and this is definitely one of the most important health benefits of apples. Consuming apples on a regular basis is linked to a better liver health, lower risks of having kidney stones, improved skin and hair quality, stronger bones, reduced risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as many other benefits.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.


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