AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY…OR DOES IT?

So, what it is about an apple a day that keeps the doctor away?

Apples are a remarkable fruit that contain many important nutrients, and they are an outstanding source of dietary fiber. Fiber is a form of carbohydrate that humans cannot break down and digest. It passes through the digestive system without providing any nutrients, but because of its unique structure, fiber provides critical support to the digestive process.

Here are just a few ways fiber can help you:

FIBER… 

• Slows down digestion, which keeps your food moving through your system at an appropriate rate, so that you can extract all the nutrients available in your food.
• Helps you feel full and prevents over-eating.
• Helps to regulate your blood sugar.
• Soluble Fiber “captures” your LDL cholesterol (the kind you want to lower) and eliminates it before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
• Adds bulk to your stool which is helpful for maintaining regularity.
• Feeds the beneficial bacteria that lives within your gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria perform important functions, like producing Vitamins K2, biotin, folate, riboflavin, and B12 as well as some short chain fatty acids that protect your gut lining from damage.  For more information about the role of your microbiome, check out my blog post from last month: (https://nutritherapymaine.blogspot.com/.../how-to-keep...). 

All plant foods contain fiber in varying ratios. So, go ahead and eat that apple a day and pair it with lots of other vegetables and fruits. I recommend having at least 5 servings of vegetables and 1-2 fruits per day! Your body will thank you and your beneficial bacteria will be able to do the important work they do to keep you healthy! 

Hi, I’m Ginny Pomeroy, board-certified in holistic nutrition. I, too, can help keep the doctor away! Contact me to discuss other fiber-rich foods and to take advantage of my FREE initial consultation.

ginny@mainenutritherapy.com, (207) 329-0876. https://mainenutritherapy.com/