An Apple a Day



"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Martin Luther

Week 41

Last week I told you about a speech given by one of my public speaking students.  He was trying to persuade us to listen to classical music regularly and he convinced me. I adopted it as one of my small steps and now I’m enjoying that time of relaxation  and it’s fitting nicely into my routine. 

Well there was an additional persuasive speech that coaxed me into using another idea for a small step.  This speech was about eating healthier, and the speaker spent most of his time sharing statistics he had found about the power in eating an apple a day.  We’ve all heard the ‘apple a day keeps the Dr. away’ phrase…but sure enough, it’s backed up with research.

In the early part of my experiment, I decided that I would eat healthier.  And I must say I’ve done a pretty good job at it for the most part.  But I’m thinking that it might be worth my while to write a specific small step for eating an apple a day.  I don’t want to bore you with the studies, but here’s a summary of what I found:

1- Apple contains Vitamin C - people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.

2- Prevent Heart Diseases -Apples are rich in flavonoids which are known for their antioxidant effects.

3- Prevent Cancers. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

4- Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

5- Apples contain phloridzin. This may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density.

6- Apples prevent tooth decay.

7- Protects your brain from brain disease. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, which prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.

8- Healthier Lungs-  A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

Now, how about you, are you convinced?

Unlike Martin Luther, I haven't planted my own apple tree, but fortunately apples are available at the grocers throughout the year.  I'll just remember to put it on my weekly list. 

For many of my small steps, the tricky part of adopting them is trying to work them into my daily routine.   I’m thinking mid-afternoon is a perfect time to crunch down, or perhaps on my way home from work, while listening to Chopin.

It’s another one of those small steps that just doesn’t seem to have a rotten side to it and best of all… it’s healthy to its core! 

Small Step:  Eat an apple a minimum of 4 times per week