What's New and Beneficial About Apples

Apples

What's New and Beneficial About Apples

• The phytonutrients in apples can help you regulate your blood sugar. Recent research has shown that apple polyphenols can help prevent spikes in blood sugar through a variety of mechanisms. Flavonoids like quercetin found in apples can inhibit enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Since these enzymes are involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, your blood sugar has fewer simple sugars to deal with when these enzymes are inhibited. In addition, the polyphenols in apple have been shown to lessen absorption of glucose from the digestive tract; to stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin; and to increase uptake of glucose from the blood via stimulation of insulin receptors. All of these mechanisms triggered by apple polyphenols can make it easier for you to regulate your blood sugar.

What's New and Beneficial About Spinach

Spinach

What's New and Beneficial About Spinach

• Bright, vibrant-looking spinach leaves are not only more appealing to the eye but more nourishing as well. Recent research has shown that spinach leaves that look fully alive and vital have greater concentrations of vitamin C than spinach leaves that are pale in color. The study authors suggest that the greater supply of vitamin C helps protect all of the oxygen-sensitive phytonutrients in the spinach leaves and makes them looking vibrant and alive.

The Health Benefits of Exercise

The Health Benefits of Exercise

Studies show that regular physical activity:

- improves your chances of living longer
- improves quality of life
- reduces the risk of heart disease
- helps lower high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol
- helps protect you from developing certain cancers
- helps prevent or control type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes)
- reduces the risk of arthritis and alleviates associated symptoms
- helps prevent osteoporosis (gradual loss of bone mass/strength)
- improves mobility and strength in later life
- alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety
- benefits weight reduction and weight management