Tuesday 11 August 2009

AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY


Today is my principal's birthday and instead of getting presents from her teachers and students, the dear lady treated the teachers and staff to breakfast and gave everyone an apple. Such a lovely gesture. May she be blessed for her thoughtfulness and kindness.

While I am on the topic of apple, I am sure most of you would have heard the adage, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?" Is there any truth to the old saying? Actually, all the mothers and grannies who kept telling us to eat apples are right.

According to a health article that I read, apples contribute not only dietary fibre, water and physical structure to food intake, they also contain antioxidant vitamins. Apples, especially apple skins, are also high in the antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols (including epicatechins, quercetins and chlorogenic). Research has indicated that phytochemicals found in apples could be responsible for the prevention of heart disease and certain cancers.
Cornell researchers found that eating 100g of fresh red delicious apples with skins provided the total antioxidant activity equal to 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C. Oxidation is a natural process in the body that can lead to cell and tissue damage, and may also lead to more serious problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and cataracts. Antioxidants are substances which delay or prevent deterioration caused by oxygen.
Phytochemicals found in apples are not only potent antioxidants, they can also help prevent inflammation and blood clotting (important for preventing heart disease), and prevent the proliferation and spread of cancer cells.

Source: http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/articles/diets-foods/apples-doc.htm

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