Apple benefits, the science
Some people just have to smell an apple to get the benefit. Scientists at the prestigious Yale University's Psychophysiology Center discovered that the scent of spiced apples produces a calming effect which helps to lower blood pressure. Researchers have noted that apple eaters also suffered far fewer stress-related illnesses.
Whole apples (as opposed to just the juice) are great for dieters. The rise in blood glucose levels that occurs when you eat an apple makes you feel fuller.
In addition, the apple juice helps keep you healthy and it helps during the healing process - especially if your are suffering from colds or viruses. People who eat apples regularly have far fewer colds and upper respiratory problems. In a Michigan State study of 1,300 students, those who regularly ate apples over a three-year period made one-third fewer visits to the campus health center than non-apple eaters.
There are also indications that apples may fight certain types of cancer. The reason appears to be that apples are loaded with natural acids that have successfully blocked cancer formation in laboratory studies.
Remember that to get the best health benefit, you have to eat the whole thing, skin and all. The skin contains the high level of pectin fiber, which seems to be the basis for the fruit's amazing powers.
The apple may also be the only healing food capable of taking care of two opposite complaints at the same time - constipation and diarrhea. First, apples or applesauce have been used for centuries to help people get back on a regular diet after suffering bouts of diarrhea. The pectin in the apple fiber apparently is the healing factor, which explains why it is included in Kaopectate, an over-the-counter diarrhea remedy.
Also, that same fiber is what dietitians have been telling us for decades is absolutely necessary to keep us regular and to prevent constipation.
Finally, apples are not only a superb healing food, but, as nature's original toothbrushes, they may even prevent cavities. The people of Biblical times probably learned that through trial and error, but modern day researchers have confirmed that fact in the laboratory.
Scientists in Norway found that children who ate apples had cleaner teeth than those who did not, and they also had significantly less risk of tooth decay.
The Bible's wise King Solomon knew what he was talking about when he said, "Comfort me with apples, for I am sick."
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