Ask Dr. Denton: 'An Apple a day Keeps Me away'

Why are apples so healthy? We know that eating apples has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease, colon health, and some forms of cancer.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Catholic Online) - "Ait a happle avore gwain to bed, An' you'll make the doctor beg his bread" = "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." This is thought to be the original Pembrokeshire proverb from Wales and is found in the 1866 edition of Notes and Queries.

So, harvest time has arrived and that delicious little red fruit called an apple has us feeling deeply happy. Wow, what a thought for the fruit from that Garden which symbolizes our fall! Yet it can become such a happy fruit, filled with overwhelming Joy, when we live our lives for the One who made both us - and that tree.

What is it about apples that make you smile? Is it the color? Is it the shape? Maybe it's because when harvest time comes we sense a reward for the farmer's hard labor? Maybe it's the excitement of the upcoming holidays and our Lord's birth? Hot apple cider on Christmas Eve. Or maybe we just long for something sweet and fresh after the heat of summer has past. I imagine it is all the above.

First let's start with the apple tree. Ok... Ok... last week Oak tree, now apple... but please give me a moment. The tree itself is rather beautiful. The flowers in the spring and early summer are followed by the yellow and red fruit of fall. The trunks of these little trees peel up in areas and give a subtle aged look. The canopy is round like arms spreading to heaven with little fingers holding rubies to give to the earth. Many of the trees are found in small orchards all over America and the world: Charming!

Now, on to the Apple. I recommend the local ones because you can visit the farm or the farmers market and meet the people who grow these beauties. When you meet the owners ask them about the pesticides used on the apples. Organic would be a dream, but can be rather expensive. Remember no pesticide use is ideal, but an early spring treatment is significantly better than multiple treatments throughout the growing season.

Whether the apple comes from the store or the local orchard, a washing with water only is as good as anything. Scientists from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station have tested the various methods of cleaning and found running water to be as effective as elaborate machines and soap.

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Why are apples so healthy? We know that eating apples has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease, colon health, and some forms of cancer. The reason for their protection is impart felt to be due to the antioxidants they possess. O.K., here we go again this antioxidant thing! "What's Dr D talking about" just eat the apple right? Sorry I can't help myself. I have to teach someone. Please just give me another moment. I know it is twice in one article, but it is important!

Antioxidants are these little chemicals found in living organisms (You and Me!), and they float around protecting your body from free radicals. Now remember your body uses these free radicals to kill bad cells like precancerous cells. Think of it this way. The Antioxidants are the toll officers in charge of car control on a bridge (bridge = our body). The free radicals are garbage trucks crossing back and forth. You need the trucks to carry away and crush the garbage, but too many and the bridge falls. The antioxidants keep these trucks under control.

Flavonoids are a compound found in fruits (apples) which give them color and protection. These flavonoids are largely polyphenols which are antioxidants. Apples also contain Vitamin C and quercetin which are also antioxidants. Silvina Lotito Ph.D. from the Linus Pauling Institute has looked extensively at apples and their antioxidant flavonoids.

The apples not only release these antioxidants but actually stimulate the release of uric acid in the body (another antioxidant). Interestingly, it may be the uric acid which is more effective than the flavonoids. The uric acid release appears to be associated with the natural sweetener found in the apple.

So eat the sweet ones! YES,they sure do add to this experience of beautiful living, don't they!

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Dr Denton D. Weiss, M.D. is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Weiss' approach to his medical practice flows from his convictions about the meaning of life which are deeply rooted in his Catholic Faith. He and his wife, Michelle strive for an integrated approach to life which recognizes the unity of the body, mind and soul. They call this approach "Bella Vitae"... or "Beautiful Living". He is a contributing writer to Catholic Online.

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