Apple Cider: Tasty and Healthy
By Paul Rothbart
The coming of fall brings cooler weather the harvesting produce. It's apple season. You can purchase local apples at your supermarket, a farm stand, or go pick them yourself. It's fun and you end up with a delicious snack or ingredient for many dishes. Apples also make cider, a popular and delicious beverage. The flavor can vary depending on the variety of apples used. It can be sweet or, if you like an adult beverage, there is hard cider. I enjoy visiting a cidery and sampling the new flavors of cider. In addition to the wonderful flavors, apple cider has many health benefits.
Nutrition
Just like the apples it is made from, apple cider is loaded with nutrients. One cup has 120 calories and contains significant amounts of Vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and iron. Apple cider also contains Vitamin C, an essential nutrient and antioxidant that boosts the immune system and has been found to help improve mood. Cider also has trace amounts of copper, magnesium, and manganese.
Heart Health
Apple cider contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that can prevent bad cholesterol from oxidizing, lowering its levels in the blood. Lower cholesterol improves heart health, reducing the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This lessens the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Less Risk of Cancer
Free radicals are molecules in the body that attack cells and can damage them. Cells that are injured can mutate and become cancerous. The antioxidants in apple cider fight free radicals and prevent them from causing cellular damage. This can go a long way toward preventing several forms of cancer including breast, colon, and prostate
Digestion
Apple cider contains pectin, which is a soluble fiber that can aid in the digestion process. The polyphenols in cider reach the colon undigested. Because of this, they feed the healthy bacteria in the gut that is an important link in the digestion chain. Polyphenols can also suppress pathogens. This helps the digestive system break down lipids, which can lower cholesterol.
Hydration
Apple cider goes down easy and is mostly water. This makes it a great way to hydrate. This is especially important when fighting the flu or other illnesses. Getting your water in a tasty form that has so many health benefits is a great option.
When apple season is upon us, so is cider. It's a delicious drink that has many health benefits. Drop by a local cidery for a tasting. You may find a flavor you love.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Inglewood, Calif.