The Extraordinary Apple

Autumn’s arrival heralds a time of abundance, overflowing with seasonal delights. The humble, but extraordinary apple is something that is still in season, and something that we should learn to appreciate more and more as time goes on.

The apple, packed with vital nutrients and fiber, offers a myriad of health benefits and culinary possibilities.

Apples are much more than just a delicious snack. They are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including a unique fiber called pectin, which bestows numerous health advantages. This is why we have always heard the phrase “An Apple A Day, Keeps The Doctor Away.”

My friend, Dr. Bryan Ardis, did a whole video on the health benefits of apple pectin. His video shows the many ways that apples can contribute to a healthy body. (Because of the extraordinary benefits of apple pectin, he even carries it in his online store.)

The apple is a detox dynamo, because of the pectin it contains. The pectin acts as a natural detoxifier, binding to heavy metals and toxins in the gut and aiding in their elimination from the body.

Apples are also a type of gut guardian. Because of the pectin in apples, this type of fiber is a prebiotic, which is what beneficial gut bacteria ingest.  The pectin not only promotes a healthy digestive system, but also bolsters overall immunity. Some studies suggest that the pectin may even help protect against cancer by combating harmful cells and supporting gut health.

Apples are excellent at balancing the blood sugar naturally. The pectin fiber slows sugar release, maintaining steady blood sugar levels and supporting balanced energy throughout the day.

Apples are packed with minerals. Apple’s pectin enhances the absorption of crucial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake.

Apples are rich in powerful antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, and epicatechin, which help combat free radicals and protect cells from damage.

Apples provide boron, which is vital for strong bones, and Vitamin C, which aids in collagen production, thereby contributing to overall skeletal health.

In addition to all of these marvelous attributes, the simple act of biting into an apple stimulates saliva production, helping prevent tooth decay and promoting oral health.

For variety, here are a few other fruits that have pectin power as well.

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits excel at binding and removing heavy metals like lead and mercury, while also providing a wealth of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Berries: Apples’ cousins, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries contain pectin and are rich in antioxidants, offering a symphony of health benefits.

• Guava: Guavas are one of the richest sources of pectin, with about 4 grams per fruit, and are also high in Vitamin C and fiber.

• Quince:
   Quince, and also pears, are another great source of pectin. Quince is a fall fruit that looks similar to apples and pears, but tastes quite different. Whole quince fruit is not available everywhere, but you may be able to find quince paste, which is commonly sold in healthy grocery stores, because it is often used in making jams and jellies due to its excellent setting properties.

Apples and other organic, tree or vine-ripened fruits and vegetables contain fisetin, which is a potent antioxidant that helps our bodies fight off harmful invaders and maintain overall health.

To reap the most benefits from fisetin:

1. Eat a variety of vine-ripened and tree-ripened organic fruits daily.

2. Consume them in their whole form to maximize the phytochemicals, and enhance fisetin absorption.

3. Add healthy fats like avocados or nuts, or a pinch of black pepper to your meals to further boost fisetin absorption.

Along with that, some of my best memories when my children were growing up, was picking ripe fruits off the trees at my family farm. Sometimes my mother would join us.   

Once we returned home with our freshly picked fruits from the farm, It was time to create some delicious recipes using the fruits while they were at their freshest. 

 Use your fresh produce to create wholesome dishes, meals, canned goods, and treats. I have always loved involving my children, family, and friends with my cooking endeavors. In that way, they learn to have a deeper appreciation for real food and the joy of healthy eating. (You may find people are much more likely to try a new dish if they have something to do with the creation of that dish.)

My family was recently at a chateau in France for my daughter’s wedding. The chateau had apple trees around the grounds with ripe heirloom varieties of apples on them. Everyone had fun simply picking an apple right from the tree and eating them.  Maybe there is an apple orchard near you that you could go visit and pick some apples, while getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. That could be a really fun activity in so many ways.

So, in conclusion, as you savor the crisp, juicy goodness of an apple, remember that you are partaking in nature’s gift to your health. Embrace the season, connect with loved ones, and indulge in the simple pleasures of life, and at the same time, nurture your body with the wholesome goodness of apples.

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:
https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com


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Medical Disclaimer:

Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

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