A new study published in the journal Food Chemistry reveals yet another benefit of eating an apple everyday. According to researchers at Washington State University, apples may help preventing obesity-related diseases.
Apples, especially Granny Smith apples (apples grown in Pacific Northwest), contain some non-digestible compounds that keep disorders associated with obesity away.
According to food scientist Giuliana Noratto, who’s also the lead researcher of the study, there are differences in varieties of apples and a few of them can be good source of these nondigestible compounds. The tart green Granny Smith apples facilitate the growth of useful bacteria in the gut because of their richness in dietary fibre and polyphenols and low content of carbohydrates.
Although these compounds are subjected to action of chewing, stomach acid and digestive enzymes, they remain remain intact when they reach the colon. Once there, they are fermented by bacteria in the colon, which benefits the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut. The study showed that Granny Smith apples surpass Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Red Delicious in the amount of nondigestible compounds they contain.
‘The nondigestible compounds in the Granny Smith apples actually changed the proportions of fecal bacteria from obese mice to be similar to that of lean mice,’ Noratto said. The discovery could help prevent some of the disorders associated with obesity such as low-grade, chronic inflammation that can lead to diabetes. The balance of bacterial communities in the colon of obese people is disturbed. This results in microbial byproducts that lead to inflammation and influence metabolic disorders associated with obesity, Noratto said. ‘What determines the balance of bacteria in our colon is the food we consume,’ she said.
‘Results of this study can help people differentiate between apple varieties and choose the ones preventing obesity related diseases,’ she says.
Here are 6 tips to lose belly fat
Cut down salt: Too much salt in the diet contributes to edema and bloating. Stick to the recommended 1500 mg of salt intake a day. Don’t put salt on the table to add to your dinner and limit the amount whilst cooking. Avoiding ready meals is a must too as these are laden with salt for flavour.
Eat more fibre: Eating a combination of soluble and insoluble fibre is an effective way to stay fit and avoid the bloated feeling that comes with constipation. Foods that are rich in fibre include oranges, mushrooms, raspberries, broccoli and cabbage.
Focus on potassium-rich foods: As sodium makes body retain water, potassium helps it to get rid of excess water. Eating potassium-rich foods like bananas and sweet potatoes can help minimise your middle waist. But make sure to exercise right as these can be fattening too.
With inputs from PTI
Photo source: Getty images
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