Health Benefits of Eating Green Apples
The old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is based on truth! All the varieties of apples have huge health qualities but it is increasingly recognised that the green varieties are especially nutritious and healthy. They are packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and, of course, the all-important fibre. For years, people have used apples to fight digestive disorders, increase healthy blood fats, regulate glucose levels and improve appetite. Here we tell you more about how this humble and widely available fruit can be good for you.
Here are some of the reasons why green apples on an empty stomach can be so good for you!
They are packed with antioxidants
Green apples are considered one of the main sources of flavonoids in western diets. They also deliver a load of vitamin C. The flavonoids found in green apples are mostly cyandin and epicatechin. These flavonoids act with vitamin C as powerful antioxidants. They mop up the nasty free radicals which can cause so much damage to our cells and have even been linked to cancer.
So, is there any way to enhance this benefit? Yes there is! Eat the green apple on an empty stomach at the start of the day. This enables your body to fight the free radicals from the start of the day. The normal healthy body cells are protected and you are less likely to develop chronic problems like cardiac diseases, cancer and diabetes.
They help you lose weight
People who are trying to lose weight have discovered the benefits of eating an apple on an empty stomach. Green apples themselves are very low in calories. In fact, they deliver around 80 calories. However, their high fibre content makes you feel full and stops you craving sugary (and fattening) foods. Eat one first thing in the morning to combat morning hunger. A green apple before breakfast will kick-start your metabolism before you start your day. It will give you plenty of energy and stop you feeling sluggish.
They regulate blood glucose levels
A green apple eaten on an empty stomach is great for stabilising blood sugar levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes and people who are at risk of diabetes. Your blood sugar is likely to be low first thing in the morning because you are not taking in any food overnight. An apple provides a controlled source of sugar that is much better for you than a big hit of sugary food.
There is research to suggest that continually consuming of sugary food may play a role in the development of diabetes. It is likely that eating a green apple every morning will therefore reduce your risk of developing this serious chronic disease which has implications for your overall health.
Dietary fibre is also vital for your intestinal function and a green apple delivers around 5 g of dietary fibre. When eaten on an empty stomach, this will help your intestines function for the rest of the day.
Great for dental health
You can’t always necessarily carry a toothbrush with you everywhere, but you may feel like we need to clean our teeth. Green apples are nature’s natural toothbrushes and toothpaste. When we eat a green apple, we produce a lot of saliva and this washes debris from our teeth. Also, the apple skin rubs against our teeth and removes plaque. This helps our gum health and certainly freshens breath. The small amount of sugar in the apples is nowhere near as bad for our teeth as sugary sweets and drinks.
Encourages regular cardiac rhythm
It has been shown that most green apples have a higher potassium content than other kinds of apples. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps cells to balance their moisture content. If your diet is deficient in potassium, it can cause all sorts of health problems, including cardiac problems. In some cases, the heart cannot keep a steady rhythm. It is recommended that you ingest 4,700 milligrams of potassium every day. A fresh green apple makes a great and tasty contribution to this.
