Oh the poor apple. It’s been a symbol of good and evil since, well… forever. I’m still a firm believer in “an apple a day,” yet lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about certain elements of an apple that make me question whether it should be part of my daily diet. So I reached out to an expert to get some answers.
“An apple a day” is the mantra that Dawn Hamilton, a double certified raw food chef, health coach, yoga instructor, and founder of Encompassing You, shares. She goes on to elaborate on how an apple can not only be a great staple in a healthy diet, but it can also combat illness, reduce toxicity, and even help you feel more grounded.
“This fruit’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a top pick when you are faced with illness,” says Dawn. She shares how apples can also play a major role in calming your system by reducing viruses and bacteria that create inflammation and their juices are cleansing to the liver and gall bladder. “They actually help to soften gall stones.”
One of the rumors circulating touts that an apple a day can act as a detoxifier. Dawn confirms this truth. “Apples contain pectin that removes cholesterol, toxic metals such as lead and mercury along with the residues of radiation. Apples are the ultimate colon cleanser due to the pectin.”
So what about the dark side of the apple? It’s a fruit. It contains sugar. And we all know that can be detrimental to our health.
“The controversy of the sugar content is always up for debate,” says Dawn, “but I feel as if the natural sugar in apple is beneficial and not as reactive to the insulin levels. Leaving the skin on helps to slow the digestion and therefore slows down insulin. Eating an apple by itself will give you the best healing results. If you’re going to pair it with another food, a fruit or a vegetable is the best choice.”
She also recommends buying organic whenever possible to reduce toxins and get the most nutritional benefits. But when organic apples are not available, she suggests soaking them in a veggie wash or apple cider vinegar to remove wax and pesticides.
One of the most interesting lighter sides of the apple is how it helps us feel grounded.
“Bright red skinned apples are ideal when you are feeling depressed or disconnected,” says Dawn. “Due to their thicker skin apples can withstand the cooler frost temperatures, making apples a ray of hope that puts us in touch with our best selves. Apples bring harmony to the body. They are one of the oldest fruits and they connect us to the earth.”
The verdict is in. An apple a day is great for your health and certainly a better substitute than any pre-packaged or fast food item that seems like a quick fix for your hunger. Each time you shop at the store, be sure to stock up on your apples, but while you’re investing in this mother earth fruit, remember, the benefits aren’t limited to nutritional value.
“Apples can reconnect us to the summer time through the darkness of winter,” reminds Dawn. “Picking an apple from an apple tree is a strong meditative, grounding practice.”
Kim Monaghan, PCC, RYT, CPBS is the owner of KBM Coaching & Consulting LLC, a boutique Human Resources Consulting and Career Coaching Firm serving a national clientele.