Apples
What's your favorite kind?
No matter the time of year, there’s something special about a crisp, juicy apple. This wonderful fruit has actually been considered a medicine for most of human history. In ancient times, apples were used to treat all sorts of digestive and cardiovascular issues. There are written reports from thousands of years ago stating that apples were used for diarrhea. The bark of the apple tree was used to treat diabetes in China. Ancient German herbalist Hildegard of Bingen suggested raw apples for healthy people and cooked ones for those who were ill.
In modern times, apples and applesauce have been used for bouts of diarrhea. This is thanks to the pectin in apples. Several studies have shown that pectin helps to fight bacterial infections that can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Thanks to the fiber content in apples, they also help prevent constipation. It’s also the fiber that with regular consumption makes apples a great choice for those susceptible to stroke and heart disease. People who eat apples have fewer heart attacks, according to a Dutch medical study.
Diets high in fiber also help prevent certain cancers and even diabetes. Basically apple is a superfood that is beneficial for all ages. It’s best to always choose organic apples thanks to them being on the “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits that are sprayed the most with herbicides and pesticides. So the saying is indeed true that “Eating an apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”
