Why an apple a day? Is it true it will keep the Doctor away? Can it help dieters lose weight?
Apples can dramatically improve your nutritional intake and provide great health benefits. Apples are rich in pectin, pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in many fruits, but apples have the richest source of pectin of all the fruits. Pectin can assist with the digestion of food and helps to reduce cholesterol. It can also assist with the reduction of high blood pressure. One apple contains as much fiber as a bowl of bran cereal.
Why an apple a day? because apples contain Quercetin which is thought to be the main reason why the saying "an apple a day" is associated with good health. Quercetin mainly found in apples, onions & black tea combats the destructive free radical molecules in many diseases, such as reducing heart attacks and cancer risks, controlling asthma and diabetes and warding away eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Apples are also rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent many diseases, they also contain a mineral called boron, which helps to keep your bones strong and healthy. They are high in Vitamin C and can provide you with a quarter of your daily Vitamin C needs.
Eating an apple a day can even help dieters lose weight, they are low on the G.I meaning that the sugars are released slowly. This can help to maintain a steady blood sugar level and control the hunger pains. If eaten before a meal it can help fill you up so you don't eat so much.
Studies have shown that overweight women who ate apples lost more weight on a calorie controlled diet than those that ate no fruit at all. The fruit eaters ate fewer calories overall. Apples contain zero fat or cholesterol and have only 80 calories.
Apples are great to eat in their natural state or you could try steaming one for dessert or make it into a great apple salad.
Apple Salad - Wash, core and roughly chop the apples. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Place in a bowl with sliced celery, lettuce , pecan nuts and then toss adding your favorite salad dressing.
Why an Apple a day? besides tasting terrific, they are available all year round, provide us with great health benefits and are great to help lose that extra weight. Why not eat one today!
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