I will never forget the days when we used to babysit Max when he was younger. We would pick him up from school and as soon as we arrived at our house, the first thing little Max would ask was, “Athena, can I please have apples and cheese?” My signature snack plate of thinly sliced apples with cheese slices was a hit. Max would carefully hold his plate, walk down the steps to the front lawn and sit quietly at the table under the oak tree picking one apple slice and one cheese slice at a time.
I came across an article this morning reminding me about something I’ve known for a long time but have become lax about a practice that I often preach. Apples are a superfood. The title of the piece is “11 Side Effects of Eating Apples Every Day.” Is “Side Effects” a pun during Covid times?
Sheltering at home tempts us to reach for tasty snacks more often than we should throughout the day. As I write about the generous health benefits of the powerful fruit, I’m munching on my own plate of sliced apples and cheese.
You could lose weight. Because apples are packed with fiber and water, you will stay fuller longer.
You’ll improve your neurological health. A 2019 study shows that quercetin in apples help neurons in the brain to stay alive and continue functioning.
You’ll boost your immune system. And we all need this during the pandemic. Thank the fruit’s quercetin that is contained in the skin. It may also reduce inflammation.
You can lower your risk of heart disease. The flavonoids in apples have been linked to lowering risk of stroke.
You’ll help with your overall gut health. Apples contain the probiotic pectin that aids in keeping your digestive system healthy.
They can help to prevent cancer. Phytochemicals and fiber in apples have antioxidant effects that could help to protect against lung cancer, especially for smokers.
You’ll lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Wow. Eating an apple every day can reduce this risk by 28%!
A note of caution: You could have an allergic reaction. While not common, eating a lot of apples could cause hives, rashes, or itchy tongue or throat.
You could lower your cholesterol. According to scientists, the soluble fiber in apples can play an important role in lowering cholesterol.
You can improve asthmatic symptoms. Studies have shown that people who eat apples have shown improvement in asthmatic symptoms.
You’ll make your teeth whiter. Chewing on apples helps with plaque removal, which can lead to whiter teeth. This is something to smile about!
Indeed, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
This is your country, and it’s up to you to save it.” – English translation of a saying in Taiwan
Washing Hands + Wearing a Mask + Social Distancing = Saving Lives