Why an Apple a Day Really Does
Keep the Doctor Away

Every day, we hear about a new “superfood.” These have run the gamut from seaweed and wheatgrass to acai berries and pomegranates. But only a few fruits can actually stand up to the title.

One of those is avocados, and we have already lauded the amazing health benefits of this delicious, velvety-green fruit. But the other fruit that deserves just as many accolades is apples.

Whoever coined the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” wasn’t kidding. These delicious fruits are not only available year ‘round, but they also are a powerhouse full of antioxidants including vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids and various other wholesome nutrients such as fiber and potassium.

Most of the apple’s antioxidant goodness is found in its skin. This is why it’s so important to buy organic apples that don’t require peeling.

Apples’ Amazing Health Benefits

Recent research has found that eating apples can reduce the risk of various types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Here are some of the benefits of eating an apple a day:

• Aids in combatting diarrhea
• Assists with anti-aging
• Assists with weight loss due to its high fiber content
• Reduces inflamed bowels
• Protects against gum disease
• Prevents hair loss
• Protects against influenza due to pectin
• Protects against liver, breast, stomach and other cancers
• Lowers the risk of developing diabetes

Apples Have Brain Benefits, Too

Various studies have linked apples to healthy brains. The fruit may prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. A study conducted in 2004 by Cornell University found that the antioxidant Quercetin blocks free radicals that are believed to cause damage to brain cells.

Apples have very high levels of this powerful antioxidant, particularly in the skin, which is another good reason to eat the apple whole. Apples also may assist in protecting the brain against memory loss, and it is believed that they lower the risk of strokes, as well.

Here is a list of the nutritious facts of one medium-sized apple:

• Contains less than 100 calories
• Boasts 4 grams of dietary fiber
• Has 14 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C
• Contains zero cholesterol, fat and sodium
• Sits low on the Glycemic Index (i.e. a low GI food)

Why You Should Eat Organic Apples

Here’s more good news for apple eaters: According to an article in The Epoch Times, organic apple orchards will be free of antibiotics by the end of Oct. 2014. After a conference in May, the National Organic Standards Board stated that certified organic apple and pear growers will not be allowed to use antibiotics to control fire blight from Oct. 21, 2014 onwards.

Apples and other organic snack foods can be great for keeping hunger at bay between meals, but when it comes time for dinner, you may not have the motivation to cook an organic meal. When that happens, visit Organicrestaurant.com, and go to our Organic Restaurant Search page. We offer a directory of organic restaurants around the world.

SOURCES:    theepochtimes.com  |  theguardian.com   |  superfoodsrx.com  |  greenmedinfo.com  |  stemilt.com  |   theepochtimes.com