Mysty PfefferGrowing up I heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
It does not surprise me that God’s design of this delicious fruit would garner such a saying. Remove the pesticides man slathers over it for marketing it around the world, and you and I have a near perfect fruit.
Apple peels are rich in quercetin, which is the lovely polyphenol antioxidant that battles the most popular virus of our day. However, this antioxidant’s power goes beyond viral protection. Numerous National Institute of Health studies credit it with neuroprotective properties, reducing endometriosis, battling Helicobacter Pylori, and reducing inflammation.
Here is what a comprehensive literature review reveals about the apple:
- Reduced cancer risks were noted in 2004 with 6,000 participants. Estimated reductions in cancer risks for individuals consuming apples was oral (18%) esophagus (22%) colorectal (30%) larynx (41%) Breast (24%) ovary (24%)
- A 2007 study of 478,590 male and female participants in 10 European countries showed participants consuming apples and pears had a significant reduction in lung cancer
- In animal studies with metastatic colon caner cells, apple extracts inhibited cancer cells by 50%
- Also in animal studies, there was a 44% reduction in mammary tumors of rats fed apples
- Human studies showed 43% reduction in coronary deaths
- In animal studies apples reduced total cholesterol 24% and total aortic fatty lesions by 48%
- In 65,535 adult women 10% reduction in the risk of asthma
- Maternal intake of apples at 32-week gestation showed decreased incidence of asthma in their offspring in a five-year follow-up
- Apple juice prevented cholinergic depletion that is associated with cognitive decline
- 28% lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes with the consumption of 2-6 apples per week
- It was helpful in weight loss
- It reduces loss of calcium to retain bone health (1)
The evidence of God’s power and His divine nature is continually revealed through the things that He made. Science proves it, over and over again as they try to figure out how fruits and vegetables prevent disease.
The clear message for you and me, is to enjoy what God provides in nature to heal and sustain us rather than reaching for commercialized products in plastic bags that continually rob our health. Retraining our minds and our taste buds may take some work, but it will be well worth the effort.
Not only can we pause and think about our daily choices of fruit, like apples, for good health; we can intentionally associate opposite choices with poor health.
When you and I start our day with an apple and peanut butter (or a handful of walnuts) we spark our energy stores, satisfy our hunger, and get our day started with antioxidants to help us fight chronic disease.
Apple in Our Arsenal
An apple a day is also a wonderful addition to our diets when we are battling food addiction or chronic disease.
The items we grew up thinking were beneficial; we are now finding are not! In fact, the “Western Diet” of high fat fries, burgers, shakes, fried chicken nuggets, pizza, and macaroni and cheese, and packaged foods are contributing to the majority of inflammatory diseases in our country. (2)
We can even become addicted to the monosodium gluconate, sugar, cheese, and additives in this food. When we become aware of this food’s toxicity, we can align our eating patterns with God’s Word and listen to His warnings about putting things before Him.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” When you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Isaiah30:20-21 ESV – And though the Lord give you the bread – Bible Gateway
When God’s Word says, “This is the way, walk in it.” I know he has my best interest, and yours, at heart.
Commands, rules, and restrictions in both in a spiritual and physical sense, may seem too intrusive on our freedom. However, they are designed for our protection and flourishing.
God knows my heart, what its drawn to and how easily I can trust in “things” for comfort and satisfaction. Therefore, when all those “things” are applied to an empty place in my soul, I still feel lost, lonely, and lacking peace.
However, when I listen to and practice the commands to honor others, have self-control, not put material things before God, not envy or covet what others have, or talk about people in a negative way, I am at peace and content with my life.
My body will also reap the rewards of making better choices.
I will enjoy an apple a day or berries and hope to repair the lining of my blood vessels. The opportunity to choose high fiber foods with vitamins and minerals over empty calorie sweets becomes ingrained in my mind as valuable.
My friend, when you and I have the power of the Holy Spirit connecting our behavior to our values, we will have victory over food addiction.
I look forward to sharing what I learn with you! If you are in need of a RN Health & Wellness Coach contact me here. I also have delicious apple recipes on the blog like Kale, Apple, & Beet Salad or Gluten Free Apple Tarts you can try!
Either way, I look forward to serving you and simplifying health God’s way!
Mysty
References:
Hyson DA. A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health. Adv Nutr. 2011 Sep;2(5):408-20. doi: 10.3945/an.111.000513. Epub 2011 Sep 6. PMID: 22332082; PMCID: PMC3183591.
