Apples are an amazing snack. There are more than 2,500 categories of apples found in North America alone including Gala, Cox, Crispin, Empire, etc. Apples are one of healthiest food in its category. Apples are rich in vitamin C and A, fiber, potassium and pectin (mostly in the skin). Apples help with weight loss, diabetes management, prevent cancer and strengthen the bones.
Apples For Weight Loss
Apples are low in calories along with no fat or cholesterol. Apple peels contain ursolic acid, which is responsible for imparting in apples the weight loss property. Ursolic acid burns calories by increasing the muscle fat, as a result lowering the risk of obesity. One large sized apple contains 116 calories and 0 fats. Apple is rich in fiber, where a medium sized apple contains over 4.4 grams of fiber.
A study was published in the journal ‘Food Chemistry’, which showed that apples contain compounds which boost the growth of good bacteria. The good bacteria promote weight loss.
Giuliana Noratto, a popular food scientist pointed out that apples contain fiber and polyphenols. These compounds remain undigested till they are fermented inside the colon. The friendly bacteria present in the colon feeds on these compounds which help them strive. This bacterial balance reduces chronic inflammation, reduces the risk of obesity, and offers a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing overindulgence in unhealthy food.
“Obese people have an out-of-balance gut,” says Noratto. “So changing our gut bacteria via what we eat, making it similar to that of a lean person, could help prevent weight gain.”
Noratto suggests eating the apples raw as cooking destroy the compounds such as polyphenols. Try to buy organic apples as the inorganic ones are loaded with harmful chemicals residue and wax. Also make sure to wash them properly before having them. As the apple peel contains most of the nutrients, one should have the fruit along with the peel and that is why it becomes more important to buy the organic ones. Little changes in our lifestyle can bring about big changes. Instead of indulging in unhealthy and junk snacks, get hold of apples and takes advantage of its healthy and weight reducing features.
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