9 scientifically proven benefits of apples and 13 reasons to avoid them

They say it keeps the doctor away…

The phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” has become a commonplace saying over the past century. Ad it’s not without reason. Read on to find out the 9 benefits of eating apples daily! Meanwhile, here’s a fun fact about apples: It’s part of the rose family! Apples are said to have blossomed from rose plants millions of years ago due to environmental changes or other external stimuli.

Apples are a fruit that is native to Europe and Asia. They are a member of the Rosaceae family, which also includes pears, plums, and cherries. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants.

Apples are available all year round and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or juiced. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including pies, salads, and smoothies.

Here are some of the health benefits of apples:

• Improved digestion: The fiber in apples can help to improve digestion by preventing constipation.
• Reduced risk of heart disease: The antioxidants in apples can help to protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals.
• Boosted immune system: Vitamin C in apples helps to boost the immune system. It helps the body to fight off infection.
• Weight loss: Apples are a low-calorie fruit that can help you feel full and satisfied, which can help you eat less and lose weight.
• Improved skin health: The antioxidants in apples can help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution.

Apples are a healthy and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of nutrients and can help improve overall health.

Here are some tips for choosing and storing apples:

• Choose apples that are firm and have a bright red or green color. Avoid apples that are soft or have bruises.
• Apples can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Once they start to ripen, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Apples can also be frozen for up to 6 months. To freeze apples, wash them and remove the cores. Cut the apples into slices or cubes and place them in a freezer bag or container.

Benefits:

1. Neurological health: Quercitin in Apple reduces cellular death caused by oxidation

2. Dementia : Protects nerve cells against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity.

3. Reduce risk of stroke: Apples can reduce risk of thrombotic stroke.

4. Cholesterol: Apples reduces the level of bad cholesterol

5. Diabetes 2: Reduces the risk for Type – 2 diabetes

6. Cancer: Apples are rich in phenolics that can prevent cancer.

7. Vascular health: As effective as statins in preventing vascular deaths. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267290.php

8. Digestion : Rich in fiber and hence good for constipation. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-298-APPLE.aspx?activeIngredientId=298&activeIngredientName=APPLE

9. Other uses: Apples are found to help in softening and passing gall stones, in weight loss, fever, scurvy, warts, Heart diseases and cleaning teeth. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-298-APPLE.aspx?activeIngredientId=298&activeIngredientName=APPLE

Interactions:

1. Interacts with the metabolism of atenolol.

2. Interacts with the metabolism of Fexafenadine.

3. Interacts with medications transported by Organic anion-Transporting Polypeptide substrates. Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/apple-page3/vitamins-supplements.htm

4. Apple cider vinegar can interact with Digoxin

5. Apple cider vinegar can interact with insulin

6. Apple cider vinegar can interact with Diuretics Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-816-APPLE%20CIDER%20VINEGAR.aspx?activeIngredientId=816&activeIngredientName=APPLE%20CIDER%20VINEGAR

7. Apple cider vinegar can interact with anti- diabetic medications. Source: http://www.rxlist.com/apple_cider_vinegar-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions

8. Components in apple juice linked with OATP mediated interactions. Source: http://www.pharmacist.com/juice-interactions-what-patients-need-know http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23132664

9. Apple extract and Quercetin-3- beta -D -glucoside combination has synergistic effect on the anti - proliferative activity on breast cancer cells. Source: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf8039796

10. Apple juice can reduce the risk of calcium oxalate crystalization. Source: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=911556&fileId=S0007114503001284

11. Apple seeds contains cyanide and hence poisonous and can lead to death. Source: http://www.holistic-online.com/herbal-med/hol_herb_med_reac.htm

12. Intake of apple can interact with drugs such as caffeine, theophylline, Phenacetin, clozapine, R- Warfarin and arachidonic acid, due to the interaction between Quercithin and CYP1A2. Source: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/405071/

13. Quercithin can potentiate cytotoxic effect of cisplatin Source: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cherp/2012/282570/

Health conditions to avoid apples:

1. Apple can become allergic to people who are sensitive to fruits of the Rosaceae family. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-298-APPLE.aspx?activeIngredientId=298&activeIngredientName=APPLE

2. Apple should be avoided by people on MAOIs Source: http://www.ayahuasca.com/science/what-foods-and-drugs-need-to-be-avoided/

3. Apple should be avoided by people taking anti-histamines. Source: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09361.html

4. Children with ADHD taking fexofenadine should avoid apple juice. Source: http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/c/10374/

Photo by Matheus Cenali: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-apples-2487443/

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