Tuesday, October 9, 2012

4 REASONS TO EAT MORE APPLES

BY Valerie Hould-Marchand

Apples are one of the most loved fruits, and people have been eating them for millennia. We can find red, green, yellow, tart and sweet, crunchy and soft and most anything in between. Apples are a flavourful, easily portable snack packed with numerous health benefits. A wide array of studies have shown apples to be effective in reducing the risk of many diseases,including high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers.

It's no surprise that apples are good for us. Why else would they have earned the famous "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" reputation? Here are 4 reasons to pick up a crisp, juicy one today.

1. Prevents Cancer
Researchers at Cornell University say the phytochemical quercetin in apples has stronger anticancer properties than vitamin C. Quercetin is a strong anti-inflammatory known for its effectiveness in treating prostate problems. Lab studies have shown that several compounds in apples curb the growth of cancer cells. Italian researchers found that people who eat more than one a day lower their risk for several cancers, including oral, esophageal, colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, by 9 to 42 percent.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Thanks to two key components, pectin (a type of fibre) and polyphenols (powerful antioxidants), apples can help lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the chemical process that turns it into artery-clogging plaque). It is really important to eat the skin because it has 2 to 6 times the antioxidant compound as the flesh.


3. Reduces the risk of Heart Disease

Apples are rich in flavonoids, which are very important in the fight against coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

4. Helps You Lose Weight

They are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre( roughly 17% of your daily value), which will keep you full and satisfied. A regular size apple has 80-100 calories. It is the perfect choice when you are craving something sweet like candy or chocolate.

As you plan your meals this fall season, make sure to include apples on your menu. The evidence shows numerous health benefits from this great tasting and versatile fruit.

So here’s a wonderfully easy, delicious little grilled cheese sandwich. Grab the sharpest cheddar in your fridge, the crispest apple and a few sprigs of fresh sage. butter up your favourite bread, grill it for a few minutes on each side and there you have it, you are all set!


Until next time,

Heal yourself
Heal the planet


References : Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Alive Academy

1 comment:

  1. I was diagnosed with gall stones recently...doctor immediately decided on surgery...started to eat apples (actually hate them, hardly had any previously to diagnosis); priming my body for a cleanse, before I see doctor again...however, pain is gone, and I feel fine...apples must be working to soften stones...

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