An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

January 10, 2022January 14, 2022 ~ Loreeebee ~ 4 Comments

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Do you believe it? I do. Apples are an incredibly easy, inexpensive, and delicious way to add fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet.

Apples have been around forever, since the days of Adam and Eve. What have we learned about the correlation between apples and good health?

The Health Benefits of Apples

Apples are fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, low in sodium, and full of fiber (with the peel on), pectin, vitamins, flavonoids, minerals and antioxidants. One apple contains approximately five grams of fiber and just eighty calories.

Which Minerals are Abundant in Apples?

Apples are full of magnesium and potassium which help control your blood pressure. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples that protects your artery walls as well as your lungs. Boron, a trace mineral that is absorbed from the soil, is also found in apples. It has been shown to be beneficial for your joints.

Antioxidants Prevent and Stop Cancer

Research has proven that antioxidants are helpful to prevent disease and even to stop the growth of cancer cells once they are present in your system.

Apples Alleviate Constipation

Doctors have suspected for years that constipation is at the root of many illnesses. Constipation is caused by insufficient fiber in the diet. Conditions such as appendicitis, varicose veins, diverticulitis, hernias and hemorrhoids are all thought to be caused by strained bowel movements.

Most people know that fiber can alleviate these strained bowel movements. An apple a day can go a long way to keeping your body regular and free from constipation. My children can attest to the fact that anytime they complained of a stomach ache, I would always ask them when the last time they had a good poop. I would then prepare them a large bowl of sliced apples (with the peel still on) sprinkled with cinnamon.

See a previous post all about what your poop will tell you.

Pectin in Apples Stops Diarrhea

Pectin is a carbohydrate found in apples that helps our intestines when diarrhea is a problem. This is because pectin causes food to congeal, just as it does when you use it to make jam or jelly.

Most mothers are familiar with the BRAT diet recommended when their children have diarrhea. It consists of bananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce and toast. Most of these ingredients are bland and easy on the stomach. The applesauce (apples without the fiber of the peel) is primarily included in this diet because of the pectin.

Now that you know just how good apples are for you, be sure to eat an apple a day to stay healthy or get healthier.

Starting today!

photo credit

Bananas get a Bad Rap, Deserve Respect

Bananas get a Bad Rap but Deserve Respect

November 10, 2021February 24, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 1 Comment

Grocery stores sell more bananas than any other fruit. My son told me that when working in the produce department of Loblaws years ago. However, the jury is out on whether they are good for you or not.

Some people believe that the high starch and natural sugar (fructose) content in bananas should be avoided when watching your weight. Others believe their high potassium, fiber, and protein content are good for muscles and energy levels before and after a workout. The potassium also helps regulate blood pressure levels.

So, who is right? Both, it just depends on your goals.

Avoid Bananas if Trying to Lose Weight

For example, if I am trying to lose a few pounds I avoid bananas, relying on healthy food choices with less starch and sugar levels. That’s because this sugar and starch cause a rise in insulin levels which in turn results in fat storage. Not good if you are battling those dreaded love handles or sporting a not-so-flat stomach. My diet motto however is “moderation is key.” I believe if you totally restrict things you like, you will tend to crave them more.

The Advantages

Bananas are very convenient for providing a quick energy boost and a light snack. They do not require refrigeration and transport easily. In fact, I resort to one often when working in my gardens because I can easily peel one without touching the edible portion with my not-so-clean fingers.

They also provide creaminess in my morning smoothies and make an excellent substitution for unhealthy fats in baked goods. I also found them effective at reducing morning sickness way back when. But only if almost green, the overripe ones made me gag.

Bananas are also particularly effective after a bout of intestinal spasms and diarrhea experienced when I eat something I am sensitive to. That is because bananas represent the B in the BRAT diet (with rice, apple sauce, and toast). That’s the one I learned about when my kids were young. All bland foods, these four staples were recommended to get systems back to normal after flu symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

For the same reason, bananas are reportedly good for curing hangovers.

In Conclusion

In my humble opinion, bananas get a bad rap, with the pros far outweighing the cons. For that reason, there is always a bunch of bananas on my kitchen counter. Not to mention my grandchildren love them.

photo credit

Bananas get a Bad Rap but Deserve Respect

November 25, 2018March 26, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 1 Comment

Even though grocery stores sell more bananas than any other fruit, (my son told me that when working in the produce department of Loblaws years ago) the jury is out on whether they are good for you or not.

Some people believe their high starch and natural sugar (fructose) content should be avoided when watching their weight. Others believe their high potassium and fiber levels as well as good protein content are all good for our muscles and energy levels before and after a workout. Potassium also helps regulate blood pressure levels.

So, who is right? Both, it just depends on your goals.

Avoid Bananas if Trying to Lose Weight

The Advantages of Bananas

Bananas also provide creaminess in my morning smoothies and make an excellent substitution for unhealthy fats in baked goods. I also found them effective at reducing morning sickness way back when. But only if almost green, the overripe ones made me gag.

Bananas are also particularly effective after a bout of intestinal spasms and diarrhea experienced when I eat something I am sensitive to. That is because bananas represent the B in the BRAT diet (with rice, apple sauce, and toast) I learned about when my kids were young. All bland foods, these four staples were recommended to get their system back to normal after flu symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. For the same reason, bananas are reportedly good for curing hangovers.

top of page photo credit