Heal Naturally Using Food – Start With The Humble Apple (Organic Of Course)
7 Reasons To Eat Organic Apples
We’ve always known how ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. But why is that? And is eating organic apples really much better for you?
1. Apples, including the skins, are one of a very few foods which have been shown to reduce cancer risk. Gallus S et al (2005) indicated that eating an apple a day or more was linked to a reduced incidence for different cancers including oral, larynx, esophageal, breast, ovary, prostate and colorectal.
2. Obesity and diabetes are huge health issues in our world today. According to studies, 3 apples a day (one before each meal) may just help weight loss (de Oliviera M, Sichieri R, Moura A (2003) and another study found a 28% reduction in risk for type 2 Diabetes when eating an apple a day (Song Y et al 2005). Apples are low GI and a good source of fibre, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C.
3. Apples are rich in flavanoids and studies have shown that they decrease the risk of death from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease amongst older women. (Mink PJ et al 2007). Similar findings have been confirmed for men too.
4. Apples have an oxidising effect on the body. Oxidative stress has been linked to many degenerative diseases including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Apples provide a powerful combo of antioxidants, fibre, potassium and minerals to reduce this oxidative stress. It also means you’ll look younger for longer too!
5. Everyone knows that green tea has high levels of antioxidants. Did you know that apples have higher levels – nearly 4 times as much? In fact they’re better than goji berry juice and vitamin C doses! (Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance January 2004)
6. Studies have consistently linked apple consumption with improved protection from asthma and improved lung function. Mothers who eat apples during pregnancy have also been found to help their children from developing asthma later in life. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).
7. And do the apples need to be organic? Most definitely. Many studies have shown that organic apples have twice as many of the plant compounds with beneficial properties in them than non-organic apples. These beneficial properties were linked to blood sugar and cholesterol reduction, anti-inflammatory and anti cancer, antioxidant and anti-ageing effects. (Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain News Release 8th Sept 2009).
In addition, eating apples covered in synthetic fertilisers, fungicides, insecticides or herbicides have been linked to triggering disease, including cancer, and ill health. The body wasn’t designed to absorb such toxins!
It is possible to slowly convert you and your family to organic foods without breaking that bank. Start with the worse offenders – apples are sprayed with 12 or more chemicals and are often kept in cold storage for 9 months before hitting the shelves of the shops. The juice from apples has the same problems. Eating organic apples is a good place to start in terms of reducing chemicals and increasing nutrition received.
Disclaimer: The use of this information is not a substitute for health advice. Please consult your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider for specific medical advice. The information should be used in conjunction with guidance from your medical practitioner as he/she will be aware of your unique personal medical history.