We have all heard that little saying at one point or another in our lives, most likely as children. Chances are that some of us still use it on our own children. The funny thing is that it isn’t just a line parent’s use, it is really true, and apples have been helping to keep people healthy since the time of Greek mythology. In ancient Greek stories, apples were a gift given from the god Apollo, who is said to be the god of healing, and of good health.
Apples are not full of vitamins, as citrus fruit is. What apples do provide are antioxidants photochemical; namely Phenolics, and the flavonoid Quercetin. Researchers believe that these natural antioxidants may be more effective than those found in vitamin supplements. Apples even provide some potassium and a small amount of vitamin C. Apples also contain pectin, which is helpful for controlling natural insulin levels in the body.
Many people find that apples aid in digestion, and can even soothe troubled stomachs and bowels. In some cases, apple juice will relieve the symptoms of respiratory ailments, and minor quirks of the nervous system. Long before the invention of anti-depressant medications, doctors would prescribe daily servings of apples or apple juice to people afflicted with mild cases of “melancholy”, and it helped!!