An apple a day keeps the doctor away (and makes you svelte, smart and strong too)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by: Carolanne Wright
Tags: apples, disease prevention, health benefits

(NaturalNews) We have all heard the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but new research has shown that apples have many more benefits than previously thought. Want to improve memory, endurance or weight loss? Eat an apple. How about boosting physical health? Apples can help. Threatening diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, asthma and cancer are also diminished by this seemingly ordinary fruit.

A tasty daily habit that prevents major disease

Researchers have discovered that consistent consumption of apples fosters greater health. Asthmatic children who drink apple juice on a daily basis have less wheezing than those who only have apple juice once a month. Likewise, maternal consumption of apples has a positive effect on the well being of their children. Mothers who ate apples throughout pregnancy gave birth to children who had lower rates of asthma compared to those who consumed small amounts of the fruit. Apples also help to control diabetes. As a good source of galacturonic acid, apples curb the body's requirement for insulin. Even better, women who eat at least one apple a day lower their chances of developing Type II diabetes by 28 percent.

Cancer risk is also reduced. A study of 10,000 people found that those who consumed the most apples slashed their lung cancer rates by 50 percent. It is believed that high levels of the flavonoids naringin and quercetin are responsible for this dramatic finding. Additionally, promising research on breast, colon and liver cancer reveals that apples may offer substantial protection. Bone health is enriched by apples too. Scientists in France observed that the flavonoid phloridzin present in apples increased bone density in post-menopausal women. As an added bonus, apples are high in boron -- another bone fortifying nutrient.

Drinking apple juice decreases the risk of Alzheimer's and age related cognitive decline as well. An apple enhanced diet boosts levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that is linked with healthy brain function and memory. In addition, apples prevent gallstones and cataracts, protect against Parkinson's disease, improve heart health, calm irritable bowel syndrome, detoxify the liver and strengthen immune function.

Athletic endurance and weight loss

Apples can help you cross the finish line slim and trim with energy to spare. A good source of ursolic acid, apples assist the body in burning more calories while increasing muscle and brown fat. Researchers at Florida State University believe that antioxidants and pectin also contribute to weight loss associated with apple consumption. What's more, stamina is heightened. Quercetin in apples increases oxygen bioavailability within the lungs -- lending increased endurance.

Autumn is a terrific season to explore all the wonders of this humble fruit. Now is the time when apples are fresh off the tree, bursting with flavor and nutrition -- so seize the moment and reap all the impressive benefits.

Sources for this article include:

"15 health benefits of eating apples" Best Health Magazine. Retrieved on October 25, 2012 from: http://www.besthealthmag.ca

"8 Health Benefits of Apples" The Editors of Huffington Post Healthy Living, Shape Magazine. Retrieved on October 25, 2012 from: http://www.shape.com

"What's New and Beneficial About Apples" George Mateijan Foundation. Retrieved on October 25, 2012 from: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=15&tname=foodspice

"10 Health Benefits of Apples" Health Diaries, October 25, 2007. Retrieved on October 25, 2012 from: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html

About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.

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