Apples are a powerhouse of compounds; one is the polyphenol, one of the richest and most potent of anti-oxidants! Like the old saying goes” An apple a day keeps the Doctor away!”, turns out it might just work!
A recent Ohio study reports eating just one apple a day over four weeks reduced levels of LDL (BAD) cholesterol by 40%. This fruit is also rich in pectin; a soluble fiber effective in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. Pectin in apples also binds radioactive residues and removes them from the body. This is especially important if you are having radiation therapy or have been exposed to high levels of radioactivity (i.e. Japans radioactive fallout). Apples are also good for drying body conditions like constipation, dry skin and throat; it will help moisten lungs.
Remember though to get all these benefits you need to eat the whole apple even the skin; although not necessary to eat the seeds, even they are beneficial to the body. One point to emphasis is to choose organic for your apples since they are heavily sprayed with insecticides and will penetrate the thin skin!
Apples are even written up as a great cleansing program to detox the body and rid the body of parasites! For instance you can do 3-4 days on an all apple and apple juice diet, eat as much as you want and drink plenty of water to help wash the toxins from the body and clean out the intestinal track. If you try this diet, continue the next 3 days eating mostly a lot of vegies like onions, garlic, and greens with whole grains like brown rice. You should avoid sweets, dairy and junk foods, drink a lot of water for a total of one week so you can continue to flush out the toxins and parasites that your apple eating released!!
Once more than 16,000 varieties grew in American orchards! Of course many apple varieties have disappeared, but recently a few heirloom apples are making a comeback. Apples can be stored for months if kept cool and some varieties will be available in different growing seasons. It is easier for small farms to grow these heirloom types than commercial farms since they produce a smaller yield and some are odd shaped apples.
Weston’s Antique Apples in Madison, Wisconsin sell apples at the Dane County Farmers Market. They grow 89 heirloom varieties, their oldest apple is the Alexander, dating back to the 1700’s. Why buy apples from three thousand miles away at the grocery store, when you can find the most glorious and juicy apples at your local farmers markets where the taste and flavors can’t be beat!! Ask your farmer how to use their apples, if they are best eaten out of hand, baked in a pie or make a great cider or applesauce! Try a Cornish Gilliflower with notes of clove, or a Pitmaston Pineapple reminiscent of course of pineapple!
In test of the 10 most powerful apple varieties sold in the USA, Fuji apples contain the highest levels of phenolic compound, a powerhouse of antioxidants.
A few Apple suggestions: Use in a smoothie, sliced and dipped in nut butters and coconut spreads, fruit salads and green salads! Experiment and try different kinds, find your favorite and enjoy!
References:
Healthy Healing by Linda Page
Local Flavors by Deborah Madison