We have all heard the popular proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples may be the secret to long life in seniors. The fruits are available in a range of varieties including Northern Spy, Granny Smith, Baldwin, Macoun, Sonya, Rome, Cameo, Gala and Criterion.
Seniors who desire an apple a day may cook, juice, bake, steam, fry, sauté or eat it raw. The crisp, fresh and firm fruit can be juicy with flavors such as sweet, sweet-tart, sour and bland. The wide varieties are available in various shades and mixtures including red, yellow and green.
Seniors can consume apples for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An apple can be a great accompaniment for meals including pork, cereal, oatmeal, dessert, salad, soup, yoghurt and baked foods such as muffins. You can peel an apple or eat it whole for the skin is edible.
Apple Nutritional and Mineral Benefits
Apples can help maintain your health in your old age. The fruits have an array of nutritional and mineral value. The fruits contain soluble dietary fiber, vitamin C, carbohydrate, sugar, Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, Vitamin K, Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids. Minerals in the fruits include magnesium, calcium, fluoride, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. Water and phytosterols are also present in apples.
Apple Health Benefits
The crunchy pomaceous fruit possesses a wide range of health benefits due to its nutritional and mineral content. The health benefits of apples can help seniors in ensuring they live a longer healthy life.
1. Reducing the risk of cancers
Lung cancer, colon cancer and prostrate cancer are some cancers that apples help to fight. The antioxidant compounds in the fruits include quercetin, which helps to combat cancer and keep your organs healthy and improve their functionality. Other flavonoids in apples include procyanidin and epicatechin.
2. Diabetics management
Seniors suffering from diabetics may consume apples to control the disease. The fruits have a low Glycemic Index and the presence of pectin ensures your blood sugar remains stable. The soluble fiber content is released slowly into the blood stream thus controlling the blood sugar. In addition, the fiber has anti-inflammatory characteristics that help in quick recovery from infections.
3. Regulate bowel movement
Other than helping in blood sugar control, the fiber assists the body in bowel control. Loss of bowel control can be common in seniors.
4. Weight loss
If you wish to lose weight and enjoy a healthier life in your golden years, apples can be the answer. The fruits are low in fat and the fiber helps in cleaning the intestinal tract.
