‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’

‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ – is there really any truth in this old -fashioned saying? Can apples really benefit our bodies that much? Well, according to New York Times best-selling book ‘Life-changing Foods: save yourself and the ones you love with the hidden healing powers of fruits & vegetables’ by Anthony William, it appears that just might be the case.

The hotel’s sister company Boxford Suffolk Farms, produce over 40 different varieties of apples including those used to produce Copella apple juice. So, it’s safe to say we have a valued interest in apples and what they can do for us here at Peake Fitness.

Anthony’s book urges us to never underestimate the power of an apple by highlighting some of the fascinating, hidden benefits of the fruit including how they can not only help to improve medical conditions, but in some cases help prevent them as well.

As a personal trainer, the benefits that standout to me are those that may encourage our Peake Fitness members to eat more apples to help improve their health and fitness regime:

Encourage weight-loss

Great news for those who are looking to lose a few pounds; apples have been proved to help increase digestive-strength which encourages weight-loss. Particularly red apples, due to the pigments they possess within the skin.

Hydration 

Apples have critical mineral salts that help the body re-hydrate after exercise. I would definitely recommend taking an apple with you to eat after a workout, it is so important to remain hydrated not only throughout your workout but after it too.

Helping to improve medical conditions

There is a whole list of medical conditions apples can help to improve including: kidney disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, liver disease, viral infections and diabetes – to name just a few!

Apples are also a natural anti-inflammatory, helping conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) by calming your digestive system by reducing viral and bacterial loads that create inflammation.

Who knew apples could have such a positive impact on our bodies and lives. It just goes to show, eating an apple a day may well keep the doctor away.

Our Head Chef, Alan Paton has some great recipes for apples.  Head over to the food section of the blog to see how you can incorporate more apples into your diet.

You can buy Boxford Suffolk Farm apples and other fresh fruit at the Pippin store, located here at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa.