Apples are one of the most nutritious fruits around and are exceptionally rich in fiber.
Source-medicalhealthtips.com
This Juicy fruit is one of the superfoods that is linked to boosting metabolism and maintaining heart health while regulating blood sugar levels. Researchers believe its apples’ rich concentration of bioactive polyphenol compounds, antioxidants, and fiber bestows their wide-reaching health benefits.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, a medium-sized apple is made of 6 mg of vitamin C,4.8 grams of fiber,0.6g of protein,100 mg of potassium,11.6g of carbohydrates, and 0.5g of fat in it. Hence eating an apple can help our health in the long run.
In cold times, we are more exposed to infections through viruses and bacteria as our general immunity goes down. Hence, apple comes to the rescue as it is a powerhouse of antioxidants and polyphenols that help keep oxidative stress at bay and promote healthy cells.Read on to know 5 convincing reasons to eat apples and why specifically they are a great fruit to get a bushel of health benefits during the winter season.
Accelerates digestion
Pectin is present in apples and cures constipation very well. It helps to accelerate digestion as it helps the fiber act on it. The hormone works by consuming water from your intestines and creating a gel that slows down digestion, and gently pushes food, without making obstructions.
Lowers cholesterol
According to Healthline, eating two or three medium-sized apples limits cholesterol levels between 5-13 percent. Several studies directed in the same matter have seen LDL cholesterol levels decrease by at least 7 percent, and HDL levels increased by up to 12 percent. However, studies have shown that the polyphenols present in apples can decrease the oxidation of LDL, which could lead to the formation of atherosclerosis.
One of the reasons is that lead cholesterol levels may rise significantly in winter as people are generally likely to be less active that time and eat processed food that is fattening.
Prevents heart attacks
Winter can cause blood vessels to contract and that increases your blood pressure as well as the risk of stroke and heart attack. Chest pain due to coronary heart disease can also deteriorate in winter when coronary arteries are compressed in the cold.
Hence, apples play a very crucial role as they contain soluble fiber. Fiber contributes to lowering your blood cholesterol levels.
Keeps blood sugar levels regulated
According to experts, diabetic people are more prone to sense higher blood glucose levels in the winter than in the summer. Therefore, it is safe for them to take extra safeguards when it comes to seasonal changes and temperature variations.
Hence, eating apples religiously has the capability to lower insulin resistance, which should lead to reduced blood sugar levels. According to Healthline, this occurs because the polyphenols in apples, which are present primarily in apple skin, provokes your pancreas to release insulin and help your cells take in sugar.
Promotes weight loss
In winter, we choose more calorie-laden food, hence weight gain is unavoidable. Apart from those less physical activities, increased sedentary behavior and changes in mental health also cause weight gain as well.
Therefore, apples come to the rescue when it comes to losing weight and maintaining it. Apples are low in calories and a good source of fiber that fills you up. This can also lead people to follow a weight-loss diet more effectively. Health experts say that pectin extraction regulates the gut microbiome, a bacterium that boosts your gut health, helping to block any kind of inflammation.
Disclaimer: Tips and tricks specified in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be advised as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before taking any fitness program or making any changes to your diet.
-Debaki Majilya
