Apple pieces organic (Malus pumila) - DRIED HERBS

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Apple Nutrition
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, apples contain many essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They are free of fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Antioxidants, potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and a few vitamin B (niacin, vitamin B6) are responsible for the long list of health benefits attributed to apples.

The other important nutrients in apple include calcium, vitamin K, iron, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium. They are also packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids, like quercetin, epicatechin, phloridzin, and other polyphenolic compounds.

They are energy-dense and water-rich fruits which helps you feel full. They are rightly called “nutritional powerhouses”.

Health Benefits of Apples
Mentioned below are some of the best health benefits of apples that may actually help you in keeping the doctor away:

Aid in Digestion
Research by Dr. Ferdous Gheyas of the Department of Horticulture Science at North Carolina State University, reports that apples are rich in soluble fiber. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one large apple provides 20 percent of their daily recommended intake of dietary fiber. The fibers help in enhancing the digestive process. Regular consumption of fiber in apples ensures smooth bowel movements and the prevention of constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other stomach disorders.

Fiber also stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to ensure efficient uptake of nutrients, while simultaneously scraping excess cholesterol out of your veins and arteries to ensure proper heart health and reduce the chances of atherosclerosis.

Combating cancer Potential
Apples have shown moderate improvement in treating various types of cancer, particularly skin, breast, and colon cancer in studies demonstrated on animals. Through epidemiological observations noted in the journal Planta Medica, the regular consumption of one or more apples a day may reduce the risk for lung and colon cancer. Apples show a distinct and undeniable capacity to reduce lung cancer and slow its spread if it does develop. Hypotheses usually speak about the high phytonutrient content, including kaempferol and quercetin, but the exact mechanism for apples’ impact on cancer still requires more research.

Prebiotic Effects
Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts like a probiotic. It specifically helps to improve the functioning of the bacteria living in our large intestine. Apples stimulate metabolism within the digestive tract and promote good bacteria in the gut. This prebiotic effect leads to improved health by maximizing nutrient uptake and eliminating harmful bacteria and toxins.

Reduce Strokes
Studies have shown that regular apple intake is associated with a reduced risk of thrombotic strokes in both men and women.

Helps with Anemia
Apples are useful in relieving symptoms and treating anemia since they contain iron. By increasing the number of red blood cells in the body, apples not only prevent anemia but also ensure proper oxygenation of essential organ systems. This results in enhanced blood circulation and proper functioning of the organ systems.

Boost Immune System
Apples rich in vitamin C, antioxidant compounds and protein can have a major role in preventing weakness, boosting immunity, and improving muscle tone. If you want to gain weight, apples, in combination with other ingredients high in calories and protein, should be a part of your daily diet. They also help in detoxifying the body and improving the overall health.

Control Diabetes
Blood sugar control is essential for people who suffer from diabetes. The polyphenols in apples have been directly linked to reducing the uptake of carbohydrates by the body. Some research focusing on apple vinegar showed that it can reduce the fluctuation of blood sugar levels that occur in the bloodstream, an important factor for keeping diabetes in check. The polyphenols also lower glucose absorption in our digestive tract and stimulate the release of insulin from our pancreas, which is also necessary to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Finally, the polyphenols stimulate the insulin receptors on cells throughout our body, which speeds up the removal of sugar from our bloodstream and gets it to our cells for metabolism and proper organ function.

Dental Care
Eating apple helps in cleaning both teeth and gums. When you eat apples, the fiber in them cleanses the teeth, and the antibacterial properties thought to come from this fruit keep bacteria and viruses at bay. While they do not reduce dental cavities, they stimulate the secretion of saliva (an alkaline compound), which reduces the ability of bacteria to multiply and grow in your mouth, as per a study published in PLOS One.

Antioxidant Properties
A study conducted on rat brain cells by researchers at Cornell University in New York shows that the potent abundant antioxidants in apples, which protect brain cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, so reducing it is linked with lessening or hopefully preventing these disorders.

Boost Brain Health
Apples increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, which is linked to improving concentration, problem-solving, and memory.

Relieves Symptoms of Asthma
Apples have shown tremendous anti-inflammatory behavior and in terms of asthma, they have stood out among other natural treatments. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in the apple skin helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

Lowers the Risk of Heart Diseases
Apples help lower the risk of heart stroke and various other heart ailments. The antioxidant property of apples reduces the oxidation of fats, called lipid peroxidation. It also neutralizes various fats found in blood vessels that can exert dangerous pressure. The flavonoid quercetin reduces inflammation in our blood vessels, while the polyphenol epicatechin also lowers the blood pressure in the body.

Lower Cholesterol Levels
The soluble fiber present in apples helps to lower the level of cholesterol in the body, making it a strong defensive mechanism against cardiovascular diseases. One year-long research study performed on 160 post-menopausal women showed that consuming apples daily resulted in a drastic decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a slight increase in HDL (good) cholesterol in just three months.

Improve Bone Health
Compounds like kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin present in apple have been linked to reducing inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. Thus, people suffering from rheumatism find apples very useful as they aid in the healing process.

Improve Vision
Apples may help to prevent conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. They also make the eyes stronger and improve eyesight and help in treating night blindness. How? Apples are rich in flavonoid compounds and antioxidant phytonutrients, as mentioned earlier, which reduce the impact of free radicals on the eyes and prevent the various issues.

Weight Loss
Both the high water content and fiber in apples increase satiety, thereby reducing appetite and overeating. Meaning, they are burned off quicker, or not absorbed by the body at all, which can be great news for millions of people struggling with obesity.

Skin Care
The powerful antioxidants in apples counteract the damaging effects of free radicals, which are directly linked to premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related conditions.

Apples also increase blood circulation which keeps the skin looking young and toned. They stimulate the replacement of old cells, repair of the damaged ones, and prevention of acne. Pastes made of apple and honey or apple and milk increase the shine and glow of the skin when topically applied.

Protect From NSAIDs
Catechin and chlorogenic acid found in apples help protect the stomach lining from injury from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are a class of painkillers which may injure the stomach cells. Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, considers blueberries, apples, and leafy greens as some of the most important anti-inflammatory foods.

Prevent Gallstones
The rich source of pectin in apples helps in controlling excess cholesterol in the body, the solidification of which results in gallstones. So, apples are thought to be protective against gallstones.

Rich Source of Vitamin C
According to the USDA Nutrient Database, one large apple provides approximately 17 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. This essential vitamin helps to increase the immunity against infections and diseases. The ascorbic acid reserves found in apple helps in collagen formation which provides a range of benefits for the skin.

Alleviate Hemorrhoids
The abundant fiber in apples helps in preventing constipation and overly straining during excretion. Thus, they help alleviate hemorrhoids.

Hair Care
Applying apple juice to the scalp can help prevent dandruff. Washing the hair and finally rinsing it from apple juice gives it a healthy shiny look. It also acts as a good conditioner.

Uses of Apples
Apple can be used in different ways for different purposes as follows:

Eat it: Apples can be eaten raw right off the tree or in a variety of dishes such as fruit salads and custards. These fruits can be baked, minced, mashed, frozen, or even dried into chips as a healthy, sweet snack.
Drink it: Apple juice is also a common drink throughout the world and it is also included in many desserts.
Apply it: The oil extracted from its seeds also useful and has many applications, especially in the cosmetic industry. The benefits of apple seed oil include reducing the appearance of acne, reducing wrinkles, and moisturizing the skin.




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