HEALTH IS WEALTH

Govind Rathore (CA Final) (543 Points)

21 August 2010  

An apple a day keeps doctor away

  • Apples are abundant in Quercetin, a flavonoid, which helps prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.

 

 

  • Apples are said to help in slowing down ageing-related problems, avoiding wrinkles and promoting hair growth

 

 

  • Apples have been found to have a positive result on those suffering from risk of stroke, Type II diabetes and asthma.

 

 

  • Apples, because of the presence of flavonoids, inhibit the growth of carcinogenic substances in the bladder and thus, diminish the risk of bladder cancer, especially in smokers.

 

 

  • Eating apples has been long associated with improvement of the lung function.

 

 

  • Researches have suggested that apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density.

 

 

  • The antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples help in the reducing the risk of respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 

 

  • The fiber and phytonutrients present in apples help in the reduction of blood cholesterol and also improve bowel function. In fact, apple juice has been found to restrain the oxidation of the harmful cholesterol (LDL or low-density lipoprotein).

 

 

  • The phytonutrients present in the skin of apples have been found to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.

 

  • The presence of dietary fiber in apples helps in better digestion and also promotes weight loss.

 

 

  • Researches have also suggested that foods like apples, which contain flavonoids, might reduce the risk of lung cancer.

 

 

 

Nutritional Value of Apples

Given below is the nutritional value of one medium-sized, fresh apple: 

  • Calcium - 10 mg
  • Calories - 81
  • Carbohydrate - 22 grams
  • Dietary Fiber - 5 grams
  • Folate - 4 mcg
  • Iron - 0.25 mg
  • Phosphorus - 10 mg
  • Potassium - 159 mg
  • Sodium - 0.00 mg
  • Vitamin A - 73 IU
  • Vitamin C - 8 mg
  • Soluble Fiber
  • Insoluble fiber