An Apple a Day

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Sure, we've all heard it, but what makes it true? According to a recent study, apples and applesauce have been linked to lung and breast cancer prevention. The flavoniods in apples stop the growth of breast cancer cells and "alter" one of the catalysts that increase the spread of breast cancer. Apples have also been linked to better overall lung health, and the antioxidant quercetin helps to prevent lung cancer.

Apples and applesauce also reduce your risk for hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. Apples contain vitamin C, fiber, and pectin, which helps to curb the appetite and promote weight loss or maintenance.

TIP: When you purchase applesauce, try to find ones without a lot of added sugar. Also, when you are cooking this fall, try substituting applesauce for vegetable oil. I made a batch of pumpkin squares (see my pumpkin blog for more health benefits) and used cinnamon flavored applesauce instead of oil. Not only did it make the squares moist and flavorful, but it added to the health benefits and cut back on fat.

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1964044/the_health_benefits_of_applesauce.html?cat=22

The Great Pumpkin

With or without the carved, toothy smile, pumpkins always seem to make October more festive. But did you know that those glowing, orange jack-o-lanterns have many health benefits too?

Obviously, it's orange!
Pumpkins are filled with beta-carotene, a nutrient responsible for the orange color (also in carrots and sweet potatoes). When consumed, the body changes the carotene into Vitamin A, which is an antioxidant.

Better than Bananas?
When you say Potassium, most people think of bananas. A medium banana has about 422mg of Potassium; one cup of pumpkin has about 564mg of Potassium. Studies have found that including more Potassium in your diet reduces your risk for hypertension.

Zinc & Fiber
Pumpkins have a little bit of zinc, which helps boost your immune system and improve bone density. Also, they are high in fiber, which helps you to feel full faster, slow the body's consumption of carbohydrates, and absorb cholesterol, keeping you healthy and helping you lose weight. Fiber also helps to clean out your digestive track, especially the intestines, and relieve constipation.

My favorite part of the pumpkin is the seeds!
Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamins and have many positive effects on overall health. The fibers in the seeds are good for your teeth, gum, nails and hair. Pumpkin seeds also relieve constipation, help dissolve gall stones, and help prevent kidney stones. Currently, we can see more and more commercials for arthritis medication, but they always have a long list of possible side effects. Pumpkin seeds can help to reduce inflammation, but unlike many arthritis meds, do not increase damaged fat levels in the joints.

www.hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Pumpkin