Saturday, April 4, 2009

An apple a day keeps the doctor away


We have all heard the old proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", but how true is it? Apples have been known to have many health benefits. we are still learning more about their numerous life-enhancing benefits. Their main role is in digestion and detoxing. Eating an apple helps in detoxification. It also helps you feel full for a longer period of time.

This popular traditional fruit can even relieve chronic constipation. Constipation is a problem that is usually caused by a poor diet. Constipation prevents the body from removing toxins and can lead to more serious issues from hemorrhoids to colon cancer.

Apples are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, both help the process of a healthy detoxification through the digestive system. These fibers pick up toxic waste, such as heavy metals in our system.

Apples are also good for the arteries because they help the body safely reduce cholesterol and toxins by excreting them with the help of the soluble fiber called pectin. Pectin forms a gel-like substance that helps soften the body's waste and helps it leave the body naturally. Pectin regulates the speed of digestion by slowing down the speed as well as speeding it up whenever necessary. It's gel-like effects can also alleviate diarrhea which can lead to high levels of dehydration in the body.

The peel of the apple is also very healthy for you. The apple's peel is rich in quercetin which can reduce the risk of sun damage to the skin. Research studies show quercetin may help prevent Cancer, especially prostate cancer. Quercetin may also help reduce symptoms of fatigue, depression, arthritis pain and anxiety.

Apples are available all year round although it is considered a harvest season fruit. Apples help clean your teeth after a meal. This year round fruit is nutritious, delicious and good for your health. I guess that old proverb is true an apple a day does keep the doctor away.

Holistic Health Writer for the NY Examiner.com

Holistic Health Counselor Yvette Laboy is the New Holistic Health Writer for the NY Examiner on-line Newspaper.

Please log on to www.examiner.com and go to the Health section for New York and read Yvette's new articles on Holistic Health and Wellness.

Yvette will be writing 3 articles per week on health and wellness for your mind, body and spirit. Please feel free to comment on her articles.

If there are any health and wellness topics you would like her to write about let her know.