Apple has several health benefits, but this
forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden is also a great weight loss food.
Apples combine certain nutrients in a way
that sets them apart from all other fruits and makes them a food of choice for achieving several
health goals. Here's what apples can do for youwhen it comes to your health
*Data
courtesy: Washington Apples
Unique support for heart health
Apples
are a rich source of phytonutrients known as quercetin, catechin, phloridzin
and chlorogenic acid. These unique
phytonutrients help protect the cardiovascular system from Oxygenrelated damage.
In addition, the high fibre content (pectic) in apples helps keep your LDL ("bad")
cholesterol levels low and under control. People who eat two apples per day may
lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.
Alzheimer's prevention
A study
on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from
the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Lung cancer prevention
According
to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent
lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids
quercetin and naringin in apples.
Breast cancer
prevention
A Cornell
University study found that eating one apple per day can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 17
percent. By eating three apples per day can reduce the risk by 39 percent and those who eat six apples per day can
reduce their risk by 44 percent.
Colon cancer
prevention
One study
found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of
colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk
of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Liver cancer
prevention
Research
found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of
liver cancer.
Diabetes management
The
pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's
need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.
Weight loss
A
Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per
day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while
dieting.
Bone protection
French
researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in
apples may protect postmenopausal women from osteoporosis
and may also increase bone density. Boron, another
ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.
Asthma help
One
recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily
basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once
per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of
apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than
children whose mothers ate few apples.
Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com
