When you find something that you like, especially a smoothie, it can be hard not to stick to it. That’s how we feel about green smoothies, anyway. Most people struggle to find a green smoothie that they actually enjoy. A green smoothie that is too bitter or tastes like fresh cut grass doesn’t entice your taste buds to return to that flavor. Mix the right fruits with the right greens, though, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

The great thing about this detox smoothie is that it contains many beneficial ingredients that support the body in myriad ways. So as not to bore you, we are going to focus on two standout ingredients that aid the body’s natural detoxification processes: grapefruit and pineapple. Both of these ingredients aid the body in the following ways:

Grapefruit: This citrus fruit exhibits antiseptic properties and acts as a digestive tonic. Many studies have found grapefruit to be highly beneficial for the lymphatic system, as it boosts lymph gland activity. That can help remove lymphatic waste and prevent circulatory issues, allergies, fluid retention, breakouts, and even cellulite.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a great ingredient for your detox smoothie, particularly because it aids digestion and is full of nutrients. One cup of pineapple contains almost 75% of your recommended daily intake of manganese. Pineapples are naturally rich in carotenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all of which work to neutralize free radicals and aid the removal of toxins from the liver and bloodstream.

SHARE:

The post Pineapple Grapefruit Detox Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get ready for a little zing on your taste buds! This cucumber smoothie is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, including avocado, spinach, hemp seeds, cucumber, and ginger. It is both light and creamy and avoids the common banana as a thickening ingredient. Plus, this smoothie helps incorporate a variety of ingredients that you may not otherwise use in a smoothie. That is just one of the reasons we love this smoothie! The more diverse your intake of fruit and vegetables is, the healthier you can be!

Cucumber is not an ingredient that typically shows up in a smoothie. It is, however, a common ingredient in juice because it has a high water content. Cucumbers offer some pretty amazing health benefits, including:

• Easing feelings of anxiety
• Reducing the risk of certain cancers
• Supporting optimal brain, digestive, and heart health
• Freshening your breath

Additionally, cucumbers provide a lot of water to help you meet your daily hydration needs. One medium cucumber contains 287 grams of fluid, or about 10 ounces of water. Cucumbers also contain dozens of antioxidants, including flavonoids that work to protect against heart disease. Flavonoids exhibit antioxidant properties that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. That is the type of cholesterol that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. It’s safe to say that cucumbers are health superstars!

SHARE:

The post Cucumber Ginger Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bright, and orange in color and sweet and slightly tart in flavor, orange juice is potentially the most famous breakfast drink. Some people like it with champagne, while others prefer it alongside a vegetable omelet. The big question is whether or not a glass of orange juice is good for you and which is the best type to drink? 

Consumed by both kids and adults alike, orange juice can provide nutrients that optimize bone, heart, and brain health. Is your orange juice actually healthy, though? That will depend on whether or not it is freshly squeezed, cold-pressed, or from concentrate with added sugars and preservatives. Sticking to 100% fresh orange juice in moderation can provide many micro and macronutrients. 

Orange Juice Nutrition

Fresh-squeezed orange juice contains a lot of vitamin C and B vitamins. One thing to note is that it is relatively high in calories and low in fiber. A one-cup serving of fresh-squeezed orange juice exhibits the following nutritional profile:

• Calories: 112
• Carbohydrates: 25.8 grams (g)
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugar: 20.8 g
• Total Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.7 g
• Folate: 74.4 micrograms (mcg)
• Thiamine: 0.2 milligrams (mg)
• Sodium: 2.5 mg
• Copper: 0.1 mg
• Vitamin C: 124 mg
• Potassium: 496 mg
• Magnesium: 27.3 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg
• Vitamin A: 24.8 mcg

Fresh-squeezed orange juice contains health-promoting compounds and nutrients, whereas processed orange juice does not offer the same quality ingredients. Fresh is always best, but consuming too much can dramatically increase your sugar intake. Limit your intake to a half cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice daily to avoid blood sugar spikes. Avoid orange juices with added sugars or flavors and you may experience the following benefits. 

May Improve Heart Health

Studies show that the consumption of citrus fruits can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and protect the body from heart disease. One study, in particular, found that enjoying citrus fruit regularly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke, in both men and women. Additionally, a 2022 systematic review found that chronic orange juice consumption in moderate amounts positively affected blood pressure in obese adults.

Provides Necessary B Vitamins

B vitamins help a variety of enzymes in the body do their jobs. These jobs range from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and delivering oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. Orange juice is a great source of folate, thiamine, niacin, and pantothenic acid, all of which are B vitamins. They help optimize brain function, support heart health, and build stronger bones. 

Rich In Antioxidants

Oranges contain powerful antioxidants, including bioflavonoids like hesperidin and hesperetin. Many studies indicate that antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which helps reduce oxidative damage to cells. Antioxidants also work to reduce inflammation! A report found that the content of flavonoids in a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice is about 60% of the recommended daily intake of these compounds. 

Excellent Source Of Vitamin C

Although there are other fruits with higher amounts of vitamin C, oranges provide a sufficient amount. Vitamin C plays several roles, including protecting the heart and allowing the proper absorption of other nutrients. It also works to repair connective tissue and promotes the formation of collagen, contributing to healthier skin. Finally, most people know about vitamin C because it supports immune function. In fact, it has been shown to improve the outcome of various respiratory illnesses, even shortening the duration of symptoms. 

May Boost Gut Health

A 2019 study found that drinking fresh-squeezed orange juice positively affects the composition of gut microbiota. Orange juice may positively affect the metabolic activity of your microbiome, which increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The study involved healthy women, who also experienced improved cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity as a result of drinking orange juice.

SHARE:

The post Orange Juice: Is It Actually Good For You? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A sweet blend of ingredients, this cinnamon persimmon smoothie is not only fun to say, but also enjoyable to drink. We recommend that you start your day with this smoothie, as it provides the nutrients you need to satiate you until your your next meal. You may also experience a boost in energy and an immunity boost. Plus, the fragrant nature of persimmons makes this smoothie just as heavenly to smell as it is to drink.

The persimmon is a classic fall fruit that is replete with a diverse mix of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, copper, potassium, and manganese. Persimmons also contain a wide variety of plant compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and carotenoids, all of which contribute to better overall health. Although this recipe does not call for persimmon leaves, the leaves are excellent sources of vitamin C, tannins, and fiber. In fact, persimmon leaves are very common in therapeutic teas.

Working with ingredients that are in season is a beautiful thing. Persimmons arrive in early to late fall and stick around until the New Year. You should buy Fuyu persimmons when incorporating them into smoothies because they have a sweeter flavor profile. They are a little sweet when unripe and grow even sweeter as they ripen. Hachiya persimmons, on the other hand, are astringent when unripe and intensely sweet when ripe. Because of that difference, Fuyu persimmons are a safer bet for your palate!

SHARE:

The post Cinnamon Persimmon Banana Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Round with an orange-yellow hue, apricots look like smaller, cuter peaches and share a similar tartness to plums. They are highly nutritious and may help boost gut health, enhance vision, and benefit the skin. To give you an idea of how nutritious apricots are, let’s detail their nutritional profile below.

According to available nutritional food data, two apricots (about 70 grams) provide the following:

• Calories: 34
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams (g)
• Fat: 0.27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Vitamin C: 8% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 8% of the DV
• Potassium: 4% of the DV

Besides the above nutrients, apricots are naturally rich in lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, all of which are powerful antioxidants. Health experts encourage people to eat apricots with the skin on because the skin boasts a lot of fiber and antioxidants. Just discard the pit because it is inedible. 

May Boost Skin Health

One of the primary causes of wrinkles is environmental factors, including the sun, cigarette smoke, and pollution. There is a direct link between ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, sunburns, and an increased risk of melanoma. Although you cannot protect your skin from sunburns by eating apricots, you can supply your body with lots of vitamins C and E by eating them. Both of these vitamins may help to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. They also work to encourage collagen production, which helps prevent early signs of aging. 

They Are Very Hydrating

Apricots have a high water content, with one cup of freshly sliced apricots providing almost 2/3 cup of water. Most people don’t drink enough water, so eating apricots may enhance your hydration efforts. Additionally, the water content may help regulate blood pressure and body temperature. If you are dehydrated, blood volume drops and forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. Staying hydrated also helps your blood circulate waste products and deliver nutrients throughout the body. 

May Promote Gut Health

Containing both insoluble and soluble fiber, apricots may boost gut health. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and includes hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Soluble fiber does dissolve in water and includes gums, long chains of polysaccharides, and pectin. Insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract without changing because the body doesn’t digest it. By absorbing the body’s fluids and sticking to other materials, insoluble fiber helps form softer, bulkier stools. The body converts soluble fiber to a gel-like substance that feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fiber, in general, delays the movement of food through the digestive tract, feeding your intestinal flora and contributing to a healthier microbiome. 

They Are Rich In Antioxidants

As mentioned earlier, apricots contain many antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, & E, beta-carotene, and other flavonoids. The primary flavonoids are catechins, quercetin, and chlorogenic acids. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to several chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and more. One study found that high flavonoid intake resulted in a substantially lower inflammation score. Additionally, high flavonoid intake decreased oxidative stress score by 56%.

May Promote Eye Health

Apricots contain vitamin A, which plays a vital role in preventing night blindness, a disorder caused by lack of light pigments in the eyes. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, enters the eyes directly to help protect them from free radical damage. Beta-carotene, which gives apricots their orange hue, is a precursor to vitamin A, which helps the body convert it into that vitamin. Zeaxanthin and lutein are other carotenoids that safeguard against oxidative stress in the retinas of your eyes.

SHARE:

The post The Top 5 Health Benefits Of Apricots appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

By this point, you are probably aware of the important role that antioxidants play in relation to your health. You may not be aware of flavanols, which are naturally occurring compounds that exist in plants. Flavanols are a distinct sub-group of flavonoids, and they predominantly exist in grapes, apples, cocoa, and beverages such as tea. 

According to a recent study, daily flavanol supplementation may help stall or even reverse age-related memory loss. To conduct the study, researchers randomly assigned 3,500 older adults to either take a placebo pill or daily flavanol supplement for three years. The supplement contained 500 milligrams (mg) of flavanols extracted from cocoa, which ranged from 400 – 600 mg, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

At the beginning of the study and throughout the follow-up period, participants completed a series of short-term memory tests. These tests were designed to measure subtle changes in skills like word recall that tend to fade with age. Participants also completed diet surveys in order for research to note the overall healthiness of foods they consumed and how often they consumed flavanol-rich foods.

What Was The Biggest Memory Benefit?

As it turns out, the biggest memory benefit was for people who kept low-antioxidant diets. The impact of flavanols on memory appeared to be quite modest, and improvements after one year of the flavanol supplement group were too small to rule out that they were due to chance. Most of the participants in the study kept fairly healthy diets and already consumed a variety of foods that contained flavanols. 

For the people who had poorer diets and consumed fewer flavanol-rich foods, the supplements made quite a difference. This group showed a 16% improvement on memory test scores after one year of taking the flavanol supplement. Memory was worse in people with lower than normal flavanol levels, and they restored their memory after restoring flavanol levels to the normal range. 

Is Antioxidant Deficiency Tied To Age-Related Memory Loss?

The researchers conducting the study noted that anyone with a deficiency in flavanols may benefit from consuming more flavanols. That is because flavanol deficiency could possibly be a major contributing factor to age-related cognitive decline. One of the study’s limitations, however, was that most participants ate fairly well. Researchers note that the impact of increased flavanol consumption on memory would be more noticeable if they only focused on people who kept poor quality diets and didn’t eat many flavanol-rich foods.

The wrong takeaway from this study is that you can eat 500 mg of chocolate to boost your memory and avoid age-related cognitive decline. The supplements that participants took over the course of the study were made from concentrated cocoa extract. Those supplements didn’t contain any of the sugars or fats that exist in most chocolate bars. 

Flavanols Exist In Many Fruits And Vegetables

If you want to consume more flavanols, focus on eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Although the flavanol content may not be as concentrated as the 500 mg flavanol supplement in the study, eating an assortment of fruits and vegetables is a great step in the right direction. Dietitians suggest that a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds is the best way to consume as many antioxidants and flavanols as possible. Additionally, researchers note that focusing on those foods can help lower your risk of chronic diseases and cognitive decline.

SHARE:

The post Cocoa Flavanols May Combat Age-Related Memory Loss appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

After a long winter of hardy, warm comfort foods, you are in desperate need of freshness. Spring is here and the heavy casseroles are not! The sun is shining, the days are longer, and fresh produce is plentiful. Your taste buds are yearning for freshness! And what’s more refreshing than a fruit salad? It is very easy to make and incorporates a variety of colorful fruits into your day. A fruit salad is truly the perfect snack for a potluck or picnic.

While this recipe has a list of fruit, you can swap out some for others if you have favorites. For example, if you prefer blackberries to blueberries, feel free to use them instead. Not a fan of oranges? Swap them out for crisp apples. One thing is for sure, and it’s that this fruit salad has no shortage of vitamin C. Kiwis are some of the richest sources of vitamin C, but strawberries, blueberries, and oranges offer impressive amounts as well. Not to mention, all of the different colors mean that you will get an assortment of antioxidants and flavonoid compounds, which encourage healthier cells and fight free radicals.

One thing that is up for debate is whether or not to dress a fruit salad. Some people only want to enjoy the natural flavors of the fruits, while others prefer a simple dressing. There’s no right or wrong way to fruit salad, but should you want to dress your fruit salad, whisk together the juice of one lime and a teaspoon of raw agave nectar. The combination of citrus and sweetness complements the natural sugars within the fruit.

SHARE:

The post Seasonal Spring Fruit Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

How many times have you found yourself laying in bed unable to fall asleep? Even if you’re tired, it’s as though your engine doesn’t want to shut off. You toss and turn your way through a night of minimal or poor sleep and wake up poorly rested. That leaves you searching the web for sleep solutions. While there is no one-size-fits all recommendation for better sleep, there are different strategies that can help you get the rest you need. 

People from around the world have developed unique sleep hacks that help them get a good night’s sleep. Some strategies in this article are backed by science, while others stem from anecdotal reports. If you want to have an easier time falling asleep and uninterrupted nights of sleep, read on to learn about sleep tips from South America, Finland, and beyond.

Jujube Fruit

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),the jujube fruit is frequently used to help calm the mind and emotions. TCM practitioners use this fruit to encourage more restful sleep, in addition to a relaxed mood. Studies show that jujube fruit contains saponins and flavonoids, two chemical compounds that suppress feelings of stress while simultaneously promoting relaxation. Flavonoids and saponins work to lengthen sleep time, and studies show that flavonoids, in particular, boost the time spent in slow wave sleep (SWS). This state of sleep is the most restorative part of sleep, and it’s associated with better memory and learning. 

Hot Foot Soak

Allowing your feet to soak in hot water before bedtime is a popular relaxation technique in TCM. Not only does it help you wind down and soothe tired feet, but it also helps promote more restful sleep. Get a simple plastic bin or use a bathtub. Fill with enough hot water to go up to your ankles. You can add Epsom salt, fruit peels, flower petals, or essential oils to the water if you want. The warmth from the water helps to reduce the amount of vital energy in the mind, according to TCM. It is thought that the warmth draws the qi, energy, away from your head, signaling the brain that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.

Sauna Steam

This is a traditional Nordic tradition from Finland, and it involves enjoying a sauna in the evening. Sauna therapy is a regular practice for many people, especially for muscle relaxation and detoxing. The elevation in body temperature actually makes you sleepy, which is beneficial for a good night’s sleep. According to a 2018 review, saunas offer support for people with congestive heart failure, depression or anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, and COPD. A 2019 survey found that 83.5% of participants reported sleep benefits for one to two nights after sauna therapy. Just make sure to drink plenty of water post schwitz because a sauna is dehydrating. 

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is widely used for its calming properties. The chamomile flower contains apigenin, a chemical compound that binds to receptors in the brain, whereby it triggers sleepiness and relaxation. According to health experts, that ability makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. A 2017 study found that chamomile extract had sedative properties in hospitalized older adults. The extract was able to increase sleep quality and quantity. 

The Hammock Habit

Have you ever enjoyed a sway in the hammock while on vacation? There’s something very soothing about it and the gentle swaying can lull you to sleep. For the natives of South and Central America, swaying in a hammock is a common bedtime routine. A 2011 study found that the rocking motion of hammocks may promote deeper sleep in adults. More modern studies on hammocks and sleep are related to infants, as the rocking motion helps them sleep more soundly. Research noted that a nap in a swaying bed shortens the time it takes to fall asleep. It also lengthens the second stage of sleep, the one before deep sleep. 

Shikibuton Tradition

A lot of life hacks have come out of Japan, with shikibuton being an important hack for better sleep. The shikibuton is a Japanese futon mattress that is used on the floor. Made from eco-friendly and natural materials like cotton and wool, it has demonstrated an ability to reduce back pain by supporting the spine. There are many shikibuton mattresses available, but make sure to opt for the ones that consist of natural materials.

SHARE:

The post The Top Sleep Hacks From Around The World appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

According to several surveys, strawberries are the sixth most popular fruit in the United States. The average person consumes a little over five pounds of strawberries per year, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That shouldn’t be a surprise, considering that strawberries are juicy, sweet, refreshing, and above all else, nutritious.

Strawberries belong to the world of berries, and there are more than 10 species of strawberry. They come in different shapes, sizes, textures, colors, and flavors, but the most popular variety is the red classic. Scientists state that strawberries are not true fruits because they carry their seeds on the outside and develop runners. Those produce roots that go down to create a cone plant.

Strawberry Nutritional Data

Although you can find strawberries in the grocery store year round, they are in season during the spring and summer months. Strawberries are at their juiciest in those months, but they are delicious whenever you enjoy them. They are also more affordable when in season, as is the case for all seasonal produce items. In regards to the nutritional data of strawberries, you could say that they are nutritional powerhouses. Take a look at the following data for a one cup serving of halved strawberries. 

• Calories: 49
• Carbohydrates: 11.7 grams (g)
• Fiber: 3 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g 
• Sugars: 7.4 g
• Magnesium: 19.8 milligrams (mg)
• Vitamin C: 89.4 mg
• Sodium: 1.5 mg
• Potassium: 233 mg

In addition to that nutritional data, strawberries exhibit an impressive antioxidant profile, which is why they have their reddish hue. Continue reading to learn more about the ways that strawberries can benefit your health. 

May Ease Arthritis Symptoms

According to many reports and studies, strawberries demonstrate an ability to reduce inflammation in people suffering from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition that can cause serious pain during flare-ups. Studies suggest that consuming a 50-gram beverage of reconstituted, freeze-dried strawberries daily for 12 weeks improved quality of life for osteoarthritis patients. Health experts attribute those abilities to the bioactive compounds, many of which are anti-inflammatory, in strawberries.

Vitamin C Superstars

Of the many antioxidants that exist in strawberries, vitamin C may be one of the most potent. One cup of sliced strawberries provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Health experts state that vitamin C is essential for overall health, especially for optimal immune function. One review found that vitamin C enhances the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens. Although vitamin C doesn’t prevent illness, it may reduce how long a cold lasts if you consume it regularly. 

May Lower Cholesterol Levels

The body requires cholesterol for certain bodily functions, but excess cholesterol can threaten heart health. High cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms until it’s too late, so a blood test is necessary to determine levels. High cholesterol is quite common, affecting about 12% of American adults over the age of 20. Data shows that eating strawberries may improve cholesterol markers of heart disease for at-risk adults. One study showed that strawberries significantly lowered cholesterol levels. A separate meta-analysis found that strawberries improved total cholesterol levels. 

May Have Prebiotic Activity

You’ve heard of probiotics, but prebiotics are lesser known yet equally as important for gut health. New research suggests that strawberries exhibit potent prebiotic activity. An animal study found that supplementing with strawberries increased the presence of beneficial gut bacteria in mice. The polyphenols in strawberries, then, may have prebiotic activity that may boost the growth of probiotic microbes in the gut. Other research found a link between the anthocyanins in strawberries and prebiotic properties, suggesting a two-way relationship between gut microbiota and anthocyanins. 

Super Sources Of Antioxidants

In addition to vitamin C, strawberries contain other potent antioxidants. In fact, one review found that strawberries were among the top antioxidant-rich berries, in addition to blueberries, black currants, and blackberries. Antioxidants are compounds that have the ability to reduce oxidative stress, which increases the risk of cellular aging and illness. A 2017 review found that oxidative stress can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. Other studies found that the antioxidants in strawberries protect bodily cells from oxidative stress on a mitochondrial level. Finally, the antioxidants in strawberries may even help fend off certain types of cancer.

May Support Cognitive Function

Cognitive decline is marked by memory loss or confusion and it happens to an estimated 11.2% of American adults. Cognitive decline also affects more men than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some research indicates that strawberries may support brain health and keep neurons firing in a healthy way. The flavonoids and vitamin C in strawberries may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to one study. Long-term intake of anthocyanins and flavonoids is also associated with lower risks of dementia in American adults.

SHARE:

The post 6 Ways Strawberries Can Benefit Your Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The crisp, juicy, and satisfying apple is a staple of autumn. Coming in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, apples can benefit many aspects of a person’s healthy. That’s right, they are more than sweet and satisfying fruits! Apples have been known to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more. Some nutritionists even refer to apples as secret weapons for your health.

Nutrition Facts Of Apples

The nutritional profile will vary slightly between different apple varieties and their sizes. Some are very small, while others are very large. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) breaks down the nutrition for one medium apple as follows:

• 95 calories
• 0 grams (g) of fat
• 0.5 g of protein
• 25 g of carbohydrates
• 4 g of fiber 
• 8 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
• 98 IU vitamin A
• 195 mg of potassium
• 9 mg of magnesium

With roughly 85% water content, apples help to enhance hydration efforts. The fiber content also helps you feel full, and the fact that it takes a while to eat an apple also aids with this process. Statistically, foods that take longer to eat help reduce overeating, whereas foods that you gobble down quickly tend to leave you hungry. Apples also have a low glycemic index, so they don’t spike blood sugar levels when you eat them. This is interesting when you consider how sweet certain apples can be!

They Benefit Neurological Health

There is a large amount of data that suggests apples may be beneficial for brain health. Many researchers believe that this is because of the impressive quercetin content. As a fun fact, there is higher antioxidant activity in the apple peel than in the flesh. A small animal study in 2015 examined higher dose quercetin supplementation on mice. The results concluded that this antioxidant was able to protect cells from damage that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A 2019 study found that quercetin has a neuroprotective effect, and it may even prevent certain reactive species. It helps neurons survive and function optimally, potentially reducing age-related neuron loss.

They May Reduce The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, apples have a low glycemic index and they are rich in fiber. Harvard researchers examined a review of data from more than 187,000 people involved in three long-term studies. The participants ate at least two servings a week of blueberries, grapes, and apples. The results found that eating in such a way reduced their diabetes risk by 23%, compared to people who only had one serving or less per month of these fruits. The fiber in apples also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Another study that consisted of over 38,000 healthy women, who ate one or more apples a day. The findings revealed that they reduced their risk of type w diabetes by 28%. 

They May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

An apple a day may keep the doctor, and potentially cancer, away. Several studies found that regular apple consumption may reduce the risk of lung cancer. In a Nurse’s Health Study, women who ate one or more apples daily experienced a 21% reduced risk of lung cancer. A separate Italian analysis linked eating one or more more apples daily to a reduced the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. In fact, separate Italian studies found that apples reduced the risk of colorectal cancer more than any other fruit. Researchers attribute these benefits to the impressive antioxidant activity in apples, which is second only to cranberries. 

They May Protect The Heart

Flavonoids help to protect the body in various ways. The flavonoids in apples may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, one study found that women who ingested apples experienced a 35% reduction in cardiovascular-related events. Additionally, the study found that ingesting apples alone reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 13-22%. Several reports found that the high fiber content in apples helps to lower bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol. A small clinical trial found that people who ate two apples daily for eight weeks had much lower LDL cholesterol levels than those who didn’t eat apples. 

SHARE:

The post Apples 101: Nutrition And 4 Health Benefits appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.