Some people may scoff at the age old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. The nutrient status of the apple is being underestimated. Here at Sweet Freedom, we stand by that motto and here’s why:
There is good reason for people to doubt the healing quality of apples, especially if they’re sourced from large scale conventional farming. Non-organic apples produced under these conditions are picked before they have a chance to ripen. They are then sent to get sprayed with ethylene gas in order to facilitate the ripening process off of the tree.
If you’re consuming these apples, you’re definitely not getting the full advantage that an organically grown fully ripe apple can provide you nutritionally. Not to mention the pesticide residues that stick around on apple skins are definitely not found in nature and will be doing you more harm than good.
So stick to organically grown in-season and preferably local apples to enjoy these benefits:
- Fiber
Apples are packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you satiated without spiking your blood sugar. It really is the perfect snack when you’re looking to grab something quick to hold you over.
- Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant found in apple skins that has been shown to have many health benefits. It is anti-inflammatory and has antihistamine qualities as well which means it can even help when it comes to allergies. It’s antioxidant qualities also help with endurance exercise.
- Vitamin C
Eating just one apple can provide up to 10% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin C. Not only is this antioxidant vitamin extremely important for immune health, it is vital in the formation of collagen. Vitamin C is required in order to keep all of your connective tissues and skin healthy.
- Heart-protective
Ohio State University conducted a study that showed adults improved their cardiovascular health by eating an apple a day over 4 weeks. Specifically, they were able to decrease their low density lipoprotein levels which are a marker for increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
With all of this packed into one small, round fruit, how could you turn away the chance to snack on a good quality apple?
Next time you hear someone say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” you can smile, take a big bite out of your apple and know that science and nature have created the perfect snack to protect our health.
Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. (2012). Study: An Apple a Day Lowers Level of Blood Chemical Linked to Hardening of the Arteries | CFAES. [online] Available at: https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/study-apple-day-lowers-level-blood-chemical-linked-hardening-the-arteries [Accessed 15 Nov. 2017].