Benefits of Apples

I heard than an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but 2 apples a day can keep the dentist away too. Biting an apple helps keep your gums healthy, but some people do not like eating apples. My suggestion is to think about juicing your apple and drinking it, you won't get the pulp, but you still get the great vitamins in the apple, and whenever possible buy organic; one apple makes about a 1/2 of cup of juice.

Apples are filled with soluble fiber (5 grams). This fiber has been shown to reduce intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and possibly some types of cancer. It helps control insulin levels by releasing sugar slowly into the bloodstream. It cleanses and detoxifies, which helps eliminate heavy metals, such as lead and mercury. Apple pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion. In two studies researchers found that eating five apples a week lowered the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma. According to Chinese Medicine: Apples strengthen the heart, quench thirst, lubricate the lungs, decrease mucous and increase body fluids. Apple cider vinegar can help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Studies indicate that eating apples daily can reduce skin diseases. According to a Brazilian study, eating an apple before a meal helped women lose 33 percent more weight than those who didn't. An apple has only 50-80 calories and has no fat or sodium. Apples are packed with vitamins C, A, and flavonoids and with smaller amounts of phosphorus, iron and calcium. Apples provide a source of potassium which may promote heart health. So there you have it ... lots of good reasons why it is good for you to eat an apple a day!

Read more: http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/10-reasons-to-eat-an-apple-a-day

Photo by: Sally's Enchanted Photography