Apples Are Still on the Healthy List
By Tom Herrin
Throughout my entire childhood, I was told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I always took it on face value and believed every word of it. Even as an adult, I stood by the saying. As simple as it sounds, the reference is obviously referring to the beneficial properties of the fruit. It seems a little like the apple is America's fruit, considering the often used phrase about anything being as American as apple pie. It really does pack a lot of bang for the buck.
It Is a Great Source of Fiber
When people eat apples very frequently, they will more than likely notice that they can help with keeping bowels regular. This can help with digestion in general by adding bulk, which can provide a feeling of being full, and stimulating the peristaltic muscles to move things along. The high water content of apples is helpful as well. It is also believed to have the ability to remove cholesterol from the arteries.
It Can Be Helpful in Managing Some Health Problems
Apples are recognized for their properties that can help with certain digestive issues. Some people seem to have success in eating apples daily to deal with balancing bacteria the body uses in digestion. Apples also seem to be able to help regulate the body’s use of carbohydrates and lower glucose consumption. They are a source of some iron which seems to be enough to improve levels of iron in the body, thus helping to with anemia.
It May Help Metabolism
Eating apples has shown to speed up the metabolism in some people. Apparently eating an apple, followed by some other foods, can increase the metabolism. This may allow those calories to burn off quicker, or not even be absorbed. When combined with the tendency to produce that fuller feeling, it can mean some fairly quick results with weight loss. When I have tried to make a change of diet in order to lose weight, I usually start by eating apples at lunch. I always did so because it seemed to clear my digestive system and make me feel better. The fact is that it more likely ramped up my metabolism as well. Either way, it helped me to jump start my diet. It may do the same for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mira Mesa, Calif.