Pectin
The
fiber that is found abundantly in apples is called pectin. This type of
fiber is beneficial to your overall health in several ways. Pectin has
demonstrated an ability to help lower cholesterol levels. It has also
demonstrated a blood sugar stabilizing effect. It has been linked to a
lower likelihood of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes.
This
also has the effect of reducing the appetite and making one feel fuller
longer. Organic apples are an excellent snack for this reason. They
register at about 50-80 calories depending on their size, so they have
minimum impact on your daily caloric intake.
Quercetin
Apples
are rich in a potent antioxidant and flavonoid called quercetin.
Flavonoids are the nutrient pigment that colors many fruits and
vegetables. Quercetin is also a potent anti-inflammatory and natural
antihistamine. It is therefore considered an excellent nutrient for
cancer and heart disease prevention as well a potent anti-allergy
nutrient.
Studies have shown that children who consume apples
frequently have lower rates of asthma. This furthers the theory that
quercetin is a powerful natural histamine blocker. Consuming apples on a
regular basis may also help improve allergy symptoms in adults.
Polyphenols
Apples
also contain a potent antioxidant group of nutrients called
polyphenols. Polyphenols are mostly known for their presence in red wine
and green tea, and apples are a little known source of this powerful
nutrient. The polyphenols that are found in apples are different from
other sources of this nutrient in that they are water soluble.
This
increases their bioavailability making them an excellent source of this
beneficial compound. Diets high in polyphenols are associated with
lower cancer rates, better heart health and enhanced immune function.
Always
be sure to buy the most unblemished apples you can find in addition to
only buying organic. When an apple is bruised, it means that its
polyphenol content has oxidized. This means the protective properties of
these powerful antioxidants are no longer as potent.
Many of the
strongest and most beneficial polyphenols are contained in the skin of
the apple. So when eating an apple, eat the entire fruit and don't peel
the skin if you want maximum nutritional benefit.
The exceptional
polyphenol content combined with the pectin also helps lower blood fat
levels. This benefit has only been observed when whole apples are
regularly consumed. At least one whole apple per day must be eaten to
gain this effect.
Source Article :
www.naturalnews.com
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