Some Benefits of Eating Apples
In this short article I will be briefly explaining why apples are so good for your health and why the saying \’An apple a day, keeps the doctor away\’ is probably true.
First of all, apples – like many fruit – contain a whole variety of vitamins and minerals. However I will only be mentioning a select few such as: Vitamin A, B, E and K in addition to Potassium, Phosphorus and Manganese.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A keeps the eyes, mucous membranes and the skin moist and healthy. It also has antioxidant properties and it helps the pupils to change size when in the dark. Furthermore, it ensures healthy retinas and it gives the immune system a boost.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause, acne, dry skin, ulcers, dandruff and sore and itchy eyes. Good sources of this are cheese, eggs, fish liver oil, beef liver and it can also be found from the best and most customizable vitamin like Rootine.
Vitamin B:
Apples have quite a few types of Vitamin B in them e.g Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin) as well as Vitamins B5, B6 and B9.
These Vitamins are needed for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, the proper function of the heart and nerves, growth, red blood cell production and the formation of hormones and antibodies. Lacking Vitamin B can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea and depression.
Vitamin B is found in many fresh and dried fruit, vegetables e.g asparagus and broccoli, brown rice and meat and eggs.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is responsible for maintaining cell structure by protecting cell membranes, it is also an antioxidant, it is important in the formation of red blood cells and it allows Vitamin K to be used. Moreover, it protects the walls of the arteries and prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins which can lead to arteries becoming blocked.
Vitamin K:
Vitamin K regulates the levels of calcium in the blood and it is extremely important for the clotting of blood when you get a cut. Additionally, it helps to build strong bones.
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to excessive bleeding (when cut) and bruising and it can also make your bones more susceptible to fracturing. Sources of Vitamin K are cereals, tuna, kiwi and it is most commonly found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
Potassium:
Potassium is necessary for growth, heart function, muscle contractions and it is an electrolyte. Being deficient in potassium can lead to cramps, twitching, kidney and lung failure, weakness, insomnia and it can even cause an irregular heartbeat.
Great sources of Potassium include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, white beans and bananas. Foods containing a lot of this mineral can also lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
Phosphorus and Manganese:
Phosphorus combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate which is needed for strong and healthy bones and teeth. Deficiencies of Phosphorus are rare but it can cause bones to break easily and joints to become stiff.
Manganese is another mineral that is rarely deficient and it is involved in enzyme reactions and some hormones. It is also used in absorbing calcium, regulating blood sugar levels, enabling the brain and nerves to function correctly as well as forming connective tissue.
Conclusion:
Apples are abundant in essential vitamins and minerals and they only contain an average of 95 calories. Furthermore, the average apple contains about 4.4 grams of dietary fibre which can lower cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of gallstones and fibre also helps with relieving oneself of diarrhoea and constipation.