An Apple a Day Really Can Pay Off
By Tom Herrin
We all know a lot of old sayings. Some of them are pretty ridiculous. I was always told that you could not eat fish and drink milk and that eating some raw vegetable would give you worms. For the most part, these are just wives tales. Some others have quite a bit of merit. One of those is eating apples. They really may contribute to better health. It is one of those sayings that I always took very literally. Eating apples on a regular basis may indeed help us to avoid some problems that can really interfere with daily life.
They May Help Manage Sugar
With the number of cases of diabetes seemingly growing each year, anything that can help may be worth trying. Apples contain polyphenols that affect the body in several ways that benefit diabetics. They limit the way in which the body takes in carbohydrates, leveling out the sugar in the bloodstream. They also lower glucose absorption in the digestive tract and improves the way insulin is released by the pancreas. They additionally cause insulin receptors to be more effective in removing sugar from the body.
They May Help the Heart
When it comes to protecting the heart, most people have good reason to be concerned. Between unhealthy foods and poor lifestyle, the heart seems to take considerable abuse. Apples contain antioxidants that can slow oxidation as well as countering the effects of triglycerides and some other fats. They contain flavonoids, in the skin of the apple, which can help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels. This can be an aid in keeping blood pressure from damaging the heart.
They Are Versatile and Full of Flavor
Apples can be taken anywhere with little preparation. They do not normally need refrigeration for short periods of storage. They can be easily eaten raw. You can be as creative as you would like. I enjoy them in salads. Many fast food restaurants offer them as substitutes for fries. That makes almost a 180-degree turn in the health of a meal. We eat apples with any of a variety of dips or spreads. One of our favorites is peanut butter. Eating apples with peanut butter can add protein to the healthy perks of the apple. The possibilities are endless, your enjoyment may match it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.