Friday, April 18, 2014

15 health benefits of eating apples

 benefits of eating apples


What makes apples so great?


In 2004, USDA scientists investigated over 100 foods to measure their antioxidant 
concentration per serving size.Two apples—Red Delicious and Granny Smith—
ranked 12th and 13th respectively. Antioxidants are disease-fighting compounds.
 Scientists believe these compounds help prevent and repair oxidation damage
 that 
happens during normal cell activity. Apples are also full of a fibre called pectin—a 
medium-sized apple contains about 4 grams of fibre. Pectin is classed as a 
soluble, 
fermentable and viscous fibre, a combination that gives it a huge list of health 
benefits.

1. Get whiter, healthier teeth

An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple
 stimulates 
the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the 
levels 
of bacteria.

2. Avoid Alzheimer’s

A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep 
Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study
 that 
were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter 
acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.

3. Protect against Parkinson’s


Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fibre foods gain a 
certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a 
breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked 
this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.

4. Curb all sorts of cancers






Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, 
agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of 
developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell 
University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that 
have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and 
breast. 
Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the 
number 
and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in 
the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal 
cancer.

5. Decrease your risk of diabetes

  • Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to 
  • develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with
  •  soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.

6. Reduce cholesterol

The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates 
intolower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

7. Get a healthier heart

An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower 
buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found 
in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from 
solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it 
reduces 
blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

8. Prevent gallstones

Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a 
liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent 
gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fibre to help you control your 
weight 
and cholesterol levels.

9. Beat diarrhea and constipation

Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fibre found in apples 
can help. Fibre can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving 
along 
when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your 
bowels down.

10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, and 
abdominal 
pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away 
from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fibre in your diet.

11. Avert hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a swollen vein in the anal canal and while not life threatening, 
these veins can be very painful. They are caused by too much pressure in the 
pelvic
 and rectal areas. Part and parcel with controlling constipation, fibre can prevent 
you from straining too much when going to the bathroom and thereby help 
alleviate
 hemorrhoids.

12. Control your weight

Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart 
disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To
 manage 
your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in 
fibre. Foods high in fibre will fill you up without costing you too many calories.

13. Detoxify your liver

We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your 
liver 
is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are 
skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than 
good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify 
your liver is fruits—like apples.

14. Boost your immune system







Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found 
thatquercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when 
you're stressed out.

15. Prevent cataracts



Though past studies have been divided on the issue, recent long-term studies
 suggest that people who have a diet rich in fruits that contain antioxidants—like 
apples—are 10 to 15 per cent less likely to develop cataracts.

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