Apple - eating Health benefits & Medicinal benefits

Apple eating Health benefits & Medicinal benefits

An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old proverb that most of us are familiar.  As one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits in the world, apples are continuously being praised as a "miracle food".  Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber.

Benefits

A collection of research studies suggests that apples may well be one of the most healthy foods for you to include in your daily diet.

Boost neurological health

Experimental Medicine found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that helped to reduce cellular death that is caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons.

A study presented Alzheimer's Disease suggested that apple juice consumption may increase the production in the brain of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory.

Preventing dementia

A study published in the Journal of Food Science suggest that eating apples may have benefit for your neurological health.

The researchers found that including apples in daily diet may protect neuron cells against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity and may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Reducing stroke risk

The researchers concluded that the intake of apples is related to a decreased risk of thrombotic stroke.

Control bad cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein)

Researchers found that older women who ate apples everyday had 23% less bad cholesterol (LDL) and 4% more good cholesterol (HDL) after just six months.

Reducing risk of diabetes

Apples help to lower risk of diabetes. A study involving 187,382 people found that people who ate three servings per week of apples, grapes, raisins, blueberries or pears had a 7% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not.

Preventing breast cancer

There is growing evidence suggested that an apple a day may help prevent breast cancer, according to a series of studies conducted by Researchers.

Obesity 

Obesity is a medical condition that occurs when a person carries excess weight or body fat that might affect their health.

In a study published in the journal Food Chemistry, a team of researchers analyzed how the bioactive compounds of seven different varieties of apples favored the good intestinal bacteria growth.

Heart health

Apples deserve to be called "nutritional powerhouses". They contain the following important nutrients:

Vitamin C - a powerful natural antioxidant capable of blocking some of the damage caused by free radicals, as well as boosting the body's resistance against infectious agents.

B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) - these vitamins are key in maintaining red blood cells and the nervous system in good health. 

Dietary fiber - Researchers says that a diet high in fiber can help prevent the development of certain diseases and may help prevent the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood from rising. 

Phytonutrients - apples are rich in polyphenolic compounds". These phytonutrients help protect the body from the detrimental effects of free radicals. Minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. 

Apples, with skin (edible parts) nutritional value per 100 grams; Energy - 52 kcal, Carbohydrates - 13.81 g, Fat - 0.17 g, Protein - 0.26 g, Water - 85.56 g, Sodium - 1 mg, Beta-carotene - 27 μg, Lutein and zeaxanthin - 29 μg, Thiamin (vitamin B1) - 0.017 mg, Vitamin A equiv - 3 μg, Riboflavin (vitamin B2) - 0.026 mg, Niacin (vitamin B3) - 0.091 mg, Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) - 0.061 mg, Vitamin B6 - 0.041 mg, Folate (vitamin B9) - 3 μg, Vitamin C - 4.6 mg, Vitamin E - 0.18 mg, Vitamin K - 2.2 μg, Calcium - 6 mg, Iron - 0.12 mg, Magnesium - 5 mg, Manganese - 0.035 mg, Phosphorus - 11 mg, Potassium - 107 mg.

Risks

Apple seeds contain contain cyanide, a powerful poison. Eating too many apple seeds can potentially be fatal. Apple seeds should not be consumed.

In addition, because apples are fairly acidic, they could be up to four times more damaging to teeth than carbonated drinks.