When it comes to clichés, and old wives’ tales, the apple may be the king of the heap in both categories. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and you are the apple of my eye are two examples of cliche and myth that swing for the fences.
But now a recent study suggests that although one juicy apple a day may not ensure an absence of needing a doctor, three apples may certain do the trick. Refined apple fiber contains water-soluble plant fiber, which absorbs and expands in the body and becomes viscous at the same time. That makes apples especially essential for diabetics because the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine is delayed, suppressing spikes in blood glucose levels.
The Apple follows the banana as the second most popular fruit consumed in the United States. American eats approximately 19 pounds of apples a year. And there is no reason to feel guilty about them. Apples are a sweet treat that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants and are ranked amongst the top fruits for your health.
The facts speak for themselves: eating three servings of apples a day is linked to a 7 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Apples contain compounds that lessen absorption of glucose from your digestive tract, the fruit also stimulates the production of beta cells in your pancreas to secrete insulin. The fruit also improves the uptake of glucose from your blood by kicking insulin receptors into high gear.
Keep in mind the much of the antioxidant content of an apple is in its peel So keep the skin on. Also, apples are treated with pesticides and chemicals. So if you want to increase your apple consumption, organic variations may be the prudent choice. But if you are purchasing regular variations, soak the fruit briefly in a 90 water, 10 percent vinegar solution and much of the chemical will be washed away.
Not only has apple consumption been associated with decreased likelihood of type 2 diabetes, but according to a study in the New York Fruit Quarterly, the powerful antioxidants contained in apples can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the colon and liver.
