The Delicious Apple!
The Apple of Your Eye – And Much More!
Did you know that there are over 2500 varieties of apples grown in the United States, but only one is actually native to North America? Do you know which one? Look at the image below for the answer!
Apples are said to have originated in the mountains of Central Asia where the first wild apples are thought to have grown. Now nearly 8000 varieties can be found worldwide!
Health Benefits:
ANTIOXIDANT, CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH, AIDS IN BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTI-CANCER, ANTI-ASTHMA
Key nutrients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, Potassium, Phosphorus, Fiber
Key Nutritional Data: Apples are a natural sweetener. They contain quercetin, a phytochemical with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Studies now suggest that apple consumption is associated with a decreased risk of various types of cancer (especially lung, colon, and breast), asthma, heart disease and stroke. A recent study points to the skin of the apple as being most effective against cancer.
“Cornell researchers have identified a dozen compounds — triterpenoids — in apple peel that either inhibit or kill cancer cells in laboratory cultures. Three of the compounds have not previously been described in the literature.”
Studies have also shown that apple eaters have lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.
Interestingly, those who eat apples and add them to juices and/or smoothies are more likely to leave the peel on the fruit. Considering that the apple magic seems to be concentrated in the skin, this is a smart thing to do!
As reported in Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology:
“David W. Pascual, Ph.D. of the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana stated, ‘Our results show that a natural product found in apple peels can suppress colonic inflammation by antagonizing inflammatory T cells to enhance resistance against autoimmune disease.’ “
None of this is really surprising considering that the apple has long been associated with many detox and cleansing diets. And let’s not forget the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”! Of course, in order for this to be truly effective remember – ORGANIC ONLY!
Just one more reason to love holistic healthcare!