Apples are an excellent source of fiber and therefore have probiotics. They are teeming with as many as one hundred million bacteria with a diversity of thousands of species. All plants, like all humans, have their own microbiome. And akin to humans, the microbiome of a plant contributes significantly to its health and evolution from a young seed to a mature plant. Organically grown apples have been found to have increased microbial diversity with higher proportions of health-promoting microbes. Adding to the growing evidence of the superior health benefits of eating a diet rich in raw plant-based whole foods is the fact that scientists now believe that the exchange between the plant microbiome and the human gut microbiome may be of notable consequence for human health and an essential source of microbes for our gut.
There are upwards of 8,000 phytochemicals and all of these are found exclusively in plants. Although we have only studied approximately 150 of them, there is a recurring theme to all of the study’s conclusions. Phytochemicals are beneficial for our health.
Apples are rich in phytochemicals. Different blends of phytochemicals are found in an apple’s pulp, peel, and even in its core. The various phytochemicals found in an apple each have individual healing qualities. For example, catechins protects against lung cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Quercetin protects against lung and colon cancer, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and liver damage. No surprises that apples have been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. So is the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, fact or fiction? Indeed it is a fact!
This is just one of many wholesome stories that can be shared about the health-giving qualities of vast numbers of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and herbs. With each different plant food housing its own specialized blend of beneficial fibers, microbes, phytochemicals, and more.
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."
—Benjamin Franklin
Contact me (Jay) today to learn more about the profound health-enhancing benefits of a plant-based whole food diet or schedule your 1-on-1 private consultation by clicking on the bookings button below.
jay.eyears@gmail.com
