An apple a day
An apple a day is reputed to keep the doctor away but could the
prescription for good health be that simple? On one level, it may be.
We know that apples are a source of pectin, which is a type of fibre
that can have a beneficial effect on blood fats. Apples also contain
polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties, improve fat
metabolism and reduce inflammation. Given the health problems
that result from high levels of certain blood fats and excessive
inflammation, it's no surprise that apples are a health-promoting food.
In fact, research has shown that eating apples every day will reduce
bad LDL cholesterol, increase good HDL cholesterol and lower levels
of C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation). On top of all that,
research has shown that adding an apple a day to your diet can lead
to weight loss. Not much, but about 1.5 kilograms a year, which is a
step in the right direction. On that basis, it does seem that a daily apple
might make your health practitioner a touch redundant.Photography: Getty44 | EatWellEatWell
HEALTH SHOTAn apple a day
An apple a day is reputed to keep the doctor away but could the
prescription for good health be that simple? On one level, it may be.
We know that apples are a source of pectin, which is a type of fibre
that can have a beneficial effect on blood fats. Apples also contain
polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties, improve fat
metabolism and reduce inflammation. Given the health problems
that result from high levels of certain blood fats and excessive
inflammation, it's no surprise that apples are a health-promoting food.
In fact, research has shown that eating apples every day will reduce
bad LDL cholesterol, increase good HDL cholesterol and lower levels
of C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation). On top of all that,
research has shown that adding an apple a day to your diet can lead
to weight loss. Not much, but about 1.5 kilograms a year, which is a
step in the right direction. On that basis, it does seem that a daily apple
might make your health practitioner a touch redundant.Photography: Getty44 | EatWellEatWell
HEALTH SHOT