Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is the most well-known carotenoid due to the large amounts found in carrots. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body after you consume it. Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision.
Lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the yellow carotenoids found in corn and peppers. The two help support vision, especially among older adults.
Research suggests that carotenoids in foods and other categories of bioactive substances may help prevent certain types of cancer and improve heart health. It is important to note that carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and some cancers, but that carotenoids in supplements provide less benefit.
What an apple contains: bioactive components
An apple’s natural dietary fiber is one of the bioactive components that lead to its classification as a functional food. The fiber pectin is mainly found in the pulp of an apple.
Pectin works to reduce the amount of sugar and fat that is absorbed into the body. This helps reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Apple peels are also full of fiber that acts as a laxative.
In addition, apples contain large amounts of natural chemicals known as polyphenols, which have vital roles in promoting health and reducing chronic disease. More than 8,000 polyphenols have been identified in various plant foods. Because they are mainly in the skin, whole apples are better sources of polyphenols than applesauce or juice.
Anthocyanins are a subclass of polyphenols that give apple skins much of their red color. Diets rich in anthocyanins help improve heart health and are being studied for use in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Another primary polyphenol in apples is phloridzin. Researchers have studied phloridzin’s role in blood sugar control for more than 100 years. Recent studies confirm that it plays an important role in regulating blood glucose levels by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed from the small intestine and increasing excretion from the kidneys.
Do apples really help keep the doctor away?
Researchers have tried to find this out. A US team analyzed apple consumption patterns and the number of doctor visits in more than 8,000 adults. Of these, about 9% ate an apple a day. Once adjusted for demographic and health-related factors, the researchers found that daily apple eaters used slightly fewer prescription drugs than non-apple eaters. But the number of doctor visits was about the same between the two groups.
A group of European researchers found that eating two apples a day improved heart health in 40 adults.
While eating an apple a day won’t necessarily substantially cut down on prescription drugs or doctor visits, it could be an important step toward healthier, fiber-filled, whole foods.
2023-10-07 02:19:36
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