An apple a day
Naini Setalvad talks about the health benefits of the apple and how the old adage 'An apple a day keeps a doctor away' holds true.
The most common phrase ever used is that ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. But have you really thought of the truth behind the saying? Apples are packed with health benefits. Read on to know more...Health benefits:Apples are bursting with flavonoids and polyphenols (powerful antioxidants). Antioxidants are the ‘brooms’ of the body; they prevent free radical damage and clean your blood and skin and add lustre to your eyes and hair.Flavonoids and polyphenols in the apples also prevent degenerative diseases.The skin of the apple contains the plant nutrient pectin, which not only acts as an antioxidant (thus proving the ‘apple gives your rosy cheeks’ phrase), but it also prevents the protein in your intestines from rotting, or spoiling. In other words it helps digest and assimilate proteins.About 100 grams of apple contain 6 mg of calcium! Calcium is the very foundation of your entire skeletal system. This is therefore excellent for anyone with bone problems, and also is excellent baby food. Apples are extremely low in the Glycemic Index. This means that it contains natural sugars that are released slowly, thus giving you stable levels of energy. In addition, a smaller amount keeps you fuller for longer. This makes them a excellent food for a diabetic as well as for people on reduced caloric diet. Apples are excellent for curing constipation, since they are packed with fiber. Conversely, stewed apples are perfect for curing diarrhea. This dual function basically goes to show how excellent it is for the stomach, no matter what the problem is.Ways to eat your apple:Most simply, eat apples plain. Though this is the best form of apple, people barely realise the amount this helps the body. Apples of all colours are rather beneficial, including golden, green and red apples.One can have them in the form of stew, or could also cut them extremely fine and add them to the salad.You may add apples to your smoothie or try innovative recipes such as apple sheera. Another convenient way to use them is to use apple syrup (home made, of course) in place of the sugar when baking. This is not only a healthier substitute, but will also reduce your need for sugar in the recipe as well!So basically, when folks say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, they were absolutely right.