We’ve all heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But why? Do you really know what makes an apple so special? Why is it that we never hear of an orange or a banana a day keeping the doctor away?
Apples have properties that no other fruits have, and they’re benefits have been proven over time. Of course, you’ll be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. Here’s why:
Apples contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your immune system. Many people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing abilities, bruise like a peach, and may even have bleeding gums.
They Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason apples can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because they are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects!
They’re Low in Calories. A regular sized apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple instead of succumbing to a craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear altogether! This is because an apple in itself contains sugar, but gives you only a fraction of the calories.
Apples are Said to Help Prevent Cancers. Notice that’s “cancers”, plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and appears in different places in the body. Apples target multiple cancers, such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Apples contain Phenols. These phenols have a double effect on cholesterol. In addition to reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, they prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL. This is good because oxidized LDL is a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol, which can be deadly!
They Prevent Tooth Decay. Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apple has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So essentially, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!
Apples Protect Your Brain from Brain Disease. This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your healthy brain makes you who you are, it gives things a whole new perspective. Apples contain substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons.
You’ll Have Healthier Lungs. Research at the University of Nottingham shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week have lower respiratory problems, including asthma.
Let’s Not Forget They Taste Great! And not only that, they also come in many flavours and colors. Not in a mood for a green apple? Why not get a red one, or a yellow! The taste can vary greatly, but still give you all the apple benefits. And variety is an important element to maintaining your health.
Eating apples is part of a balanced and healthy diet and will increase your longevity. And to top it all off: They’re Paleo!
Today’s Workout:
Buy – in: Hang Squat Snatch Technique: 4 rounds of 1 hang power snatch, 1 overhead squat, 1 hang squat snatch.
Coach demo then practice with increasing weight (10 min)
WOD – “Daffodil rainbow ride of joy and delight”
This WOD is dedicated to Dan and Craig, who have come up with some “interesting” names for WODs. Hope you all enjoy it, you can thank them later 🙂
Elite – 6 rounds for individual time of rounds (record slowest time for any one interval like Tabata):
- 8 hang squat snatch (65/95)
- 250m row
- Clock set on a 4 minute timer, each round begins on each successive 4 minute period (i.e. the faster you work, the more rest you get!)
Zone 3 – scale snatches to 45/65
Zone 2 – scale snatches to 35/45, scale number of rounds
Zone 1 – scale as needed
Cash – out : Coach – led Stretch
