Great Yarmouth Samaritans look at ten simple things you can do to improve your wellbeing.
We all want quick and easy ideas to improve our health and wellbeing. Great Yarmouth Samaritans pick ten 'simple things' that can easily fit into our daily routine.
Sixth in our series of 'simple things' you can try: An Apple a Day
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a popular adage that suggests that consuming apples can help keep us healthy. This phrase is not just a catchy saying, but a scientifically-proven fact. Eating an apple a day can provide numerous health benefits.
Apples are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. They are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds can help protect our body from harmful free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
Flavonoids can increase the production of nitric oxide that regulates blood pressure and maintains blood vessel health
Dr Bondonno, Institute of Nutritional Research
A recent study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that consuming apples daily can have a positive impact on heart health. The study conducted a randomised controlled trial on 40 participants who consumed either two medium-sized apples or a sugar and calorie-matched beverage for eight weeks. The results showed that those who ate apples had a significant decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels compared to the control group.
Moreover, eating apples can also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels due to their high fibre content. The fibre in apples can slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that consuming whole apples can lower fasting blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
You can enjoy apples as a snack, chopped up in a yoghurt for breakfast or baked as a pudding. Why don't you try to make them a regular part of your diet?