Secret 1: Nutrients and other phytochemicals in apples help fight cancer
Obesity in women not only affects daily work, life, and appearance, but also makes them more susceptible to cancer. A Japanese research team followed 15,054 adult women for 9 years and found that 668 of them developed cancer. Statistical analysis revealed that compared to women of normal weight, overweight or obese women had a 29%-47% higher risk of developing cancer. The higher a woman's Body Mass Index (BMI), the greater her risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and gallbladder cancer. The study suggests that being overweight or obese is a risk factor for cancer in women. So, is there a way for women to lose weight and prevent cancer? Indeed there is: eating apples regularly.
In addition to traditional nutrients and dietary fiber, apples are rich in flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants. Moreover, compared to other fruits, apples have a higher proportion of free flavonoids, making them easier for the body to absorb. These natural antioxidants can protect genetic material DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from damage caused by oxidative stress, and have a strong anti-cancer effect.
Secret 2: Eating more apples can prevent osteoporosis
Apples contain boron and manganese, which are mineral elements that enhance bone density. A U.S. study found that boron can significantly increase the concentration of estrogen and other compounds in the blood, which can effectively prevent calcium loss. Medical experts believe that if postmenopausal women can consume 3 grams of boron daily, their rate of calcium loss can be reduced by 46%. Eating more apples during menopause is beneficial for calcium absorption and utilization, helping to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Secret 3: Eating one apple a day (preferably with the skin on) can also prevent strokes
Apples are beneficial for health and are a guardian of women's health. It's best to eat apples with the skin on, as the skin contains a higher concentration of flavonoids and has stronger antioxidant activity than the flesh, and it can prevent strokes in middle-aged and elderly women. However, because apples may be grown with large amounts of pesticides, if not washed carefully before eating, fertilizers and pesticides remaining on the apple skin can lead to various diseases such as leukemia. Therefore, if you cannot guarantee the apples are "natural," it is best to wash and peel them before eating.
Secret 4: Apples contain many elements that are effective in preventing heart disease
Apples are rich in folic acid, a main component of vitamin B, which helps prevent heart disease. The antioxidants in apples are beneficial for the healthy functioning of the heart. The fiber, pectin, antioxidants, and other components in apples can lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the body. This allows "bad" cholesterol to block blood vessels later than it normally would, and the earlier "bad" cholesterol blocks blood vessels, the greater the chance of developing heart disease.
A medium-sized apple contains only 60-100 kilocalories, with no fat or sodium. For women who are on a diet, it is the perfect food.
Secret 5: Apples can neutralize acidic substances in the human body
70% of diseases occur in women with acidic body constitutions, and apples are alkaline foods. Eating apples can quickly neutralize excess acidic substances in the body (including acids produced by exercise and acidic metabolic products from acidic foods like fish, meat, and eggs), thereby enhancing physical strength and disease resistance.