Modern science has proven that eating apples can at least lower blood cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar, curb excessive appetite, and aid in weight loss. Apple juice can kill infectious viruses, treat diarrhea, and prevent cavities. It can be said that—
Cardiovascular Guardian Apples are a healthy fruit for heart patients because they contain no saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Research shows that because the fiber in apples is highly soluble, it protects the health of the human cardiovascular system. About 25% of apple fiber exists in the form of pectin, which keeps blood cholesterol levels normal by reducing fat absorption.
Comprehensive Function Apple pectin helps stabilize blood sugar, so apples are not only a healthy "snack" for diabetics but also an essential fruit for anyone who wants to control their blood sugar levels. A Canadian study showed that apple juice has a powerful effect in killing infectious viruses in test tubes. People who eat more apples have a much lower chance of catching a cold than those who don't eat or eat few apples. Therefore, some scientists and doctors call apples "all-around healthy fruits" or "general practitioners."
Finland's 1999 experiment in October was even more exciting. The flavonoids in apples are a highly effective antioxidant. They are not only the best vascular cleansers but also have anti-cancer effects. If people eat more foods containing flavonoids like apples, their chance of developing lung cancer is 46% lower than those who don't eat such foods, and their risk of other cancers is 20% lower than the average person.
Treating Diarrhea In folk medicine, apples have been used to treat diarrhea and constipation for a long time, showing their rare dual-regulatory effect. Applesauce and apples with their skins are good remedies for diarrhea, while a glass of diluted apple juice on an empty stomach in the morning is the best choice for relieving constipation. Generally, eating 25-35 grams of food fiber daily is essential for constipation sufferers. For some children with chronic diarrhea, drinking too much apple juice can make the diarrhea worse because they cannot fully absorb the carbohydrates (sugars) in apples.
Eating 2-3 apples a day is enough to achieve the above effects, but the juice from 2-3 apples cannot achieve the same effect as the whole apple. A research team at the University of California, Davis, analyzed the apple flesh and skin and found that both have antioxidant effects, but the skin contains more flavonoids. Therefore, eating unpeeled, pesticide-free apples is most beneficial.
Although the benefits of apple juice are not as strong as those of whole apples, it is still better than not eating apples at all. Juice should be freshly squeezed and consumed immediately, otherwise its active ingredients will be quickly oxidized in the air. Choose apples without insect spots, bruises, that are smooth and fragrant. Generally, red apples are healthier than green or yellow ones. Of course, the best way to eat them is raw or in a salad.
If you are on a low-salt diet, it is best not to eat dried apples. Because in the preparation process, sodium sulfate is added, so dried apples contain too much sodium, and a few people are also allergic to sodium sulfate. Men should eat more apples than women because apples lower cholesterol.