Apples – health, wealth and wisdom

Washington apples are special as they grow in the fertile valleys and plateaus of America’s far West, growers tend orchards that produce the world’s best apples. More than 175,000 acres of apple orchards are nestled in the eastern foothills of the picturesque Cascade Mountains at elevations from 500 to 3,000 feet above sea level. The orchards are irrigated with plentiful and cool mountain water.

Washington apples are known worldwide for their beauty and crunch. Whether it’s Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji or Golden Delicious, apples are such commonly-consumed fruits that it’s easy to overlook their amazing and unique health benefits.

And now Washington Apples are available at your doorstep to help you eat healthy and stay fit. Washington Apples are sold in more than one-hundred supermarkets in Sri Lanka and are available in leading supermarkets like Keells Super and Arpico. The brand has witnessed a boost in sales and is fast becoming the preferred pick of apple-lovers in Sri Lanka.

Apples combine certain nutrients in a way that sets them apart from all other fruits and makes them a food of choice for achieving several health goals. Latest research suggests that regular consumption of Apples may prevent certain types of cancer and lower the risk of heart diseases. Here’s what apples can do for you when it comes to your health.

Unique support for heart health

Apples are a rich source of phytonutrients known as quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid. These unique phytonutrients help protect the cardiovascular system from oxygen-related damage. In addition, the high fiber content (pectic) in apples helps keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels low and under control. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 per cent.

Alzheimer’s prevention

A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lung cancer prevention

According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 per cent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

Breast cancer prevention

A Cornell University study found that eating one apple per day can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 17 per cent. By eating three apples per day can reduce the risk by 39 per cent and those who eat six apples per day can reduce their risk by 44 per cent.

Colon cancer prevention

One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 per cent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Liver cancer prevention

Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 per cent lower risk of liver cancer.

Diabetes management

The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body’s need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

Weight loss

A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

Bone protection

French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

Asthma help

One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Each day, Washington apples are enjoyed by people in over 50 countries throughout the world. As the world’s most popular fruit, mother-nature’s gift of nutrition makes an excellent snack, treat and ingredient in any dish.  So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a Washington apple today!

Now with the purchase of 1kg Washington Apples receive a free gift from 28 and 29 April at selected Keells Super outlets and 4 and 5 May at selected Arpico outlets

About the Washington Apple Commission

The Washington Apple Commission is an industry initiated self-governing body made up of apple growers and packers from Washington. The Commission is responsible for product promotion, advertising and development of international markets of Washington Apples. The Commission coordinates an international marketing program consisting of trade and consumer promotion, public relations and advertising to promote and expand world-wide demand for Washington Apples.

For further information, please contact: Amitha de Silva Cameron Pale and Medina (Pvt) Ltd [email protected]