Why Eating Apples Keeps the Doctor Away
It is no secret that “An apple a day keeps the doctor away “. But have you ever asked why? Have you ever wondered why with just eating apples, you saved yourself lots of dollars in doctors’ bill? Even the father of medicine- Hippocrates the Greek physician was a supporter of nutritional healing and his favorite remedies includes apples.
Apples are not only delicious and nutritious; they are the easiest way for you to start a healthy eating and dieting lifestyle. Best of all, apples are the cheapest way to promote good health, go to any grocery or market and you will easily find apples. Apples can also be grown in your backyard.
Apples are fat free; saturated fat free; sodium free; cholesterol free; and an excellent source of fiber. And that’s only just the beginning of the many benefits of eating an apple a day. Unpeeled apples provide their most plentiful nutrients just under the skin. Apples are a good source of potassium, folic acid, and vitamin C.
A medium apple, approximately 5 ounces, has only 81 calories and a whopping 3.7 grams of fiber from pectin, a soluble fiber. A medium apple supplies 159 mg of potassium, 3.9 mcg of folic acid, 7.9 mg of vitamin C, and 9.6 mg of calcium. Additionally, there are trace amounts of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc
Apples are easy on the digestion. They contain malic and tartaric acids that inhibit fermentation in the intestines. Their high fiber content adds bulk that aids the digestive process, making elimination natural and comfortable. Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
Apples contain flavonoids, antioxidants that improve immune function and prevent heart disease and some cancers.
Because of apples' high fiber content, the fruit's natural sugars are slowly released into the blood stream, helping maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Green apples act as a liver and gall bladder cleanser and may aid in softening gallstones.
Because of their high water content, apples are cooling and moistening and aid in reducing fever. Simply grate them and serve them to feverish patients. Steamed apples sweetened with honey are beneficial for a dry cough and may help to remove mucous from the lungs.
If these aren't enough reasons to "eat an apple a day," there's more. Eating raw apples gives the gums a healthy massage and cleanses the teeth. So what else are you waiting for? Start munching on an apple today!
