An Apple A Day - Keeps The Flu Away?
>> December 19, 2008
Unfortunately, it's flu season. I've already had one cold, and it was one too many. If you're like me, and trying to avoid getting the flu, you'll be interested in an article I ran across at RallieOnHealth.com.
Apparently the 'apple a day' theory works on the flu too, who knew? Why? "A study published by The American Physiological Society found that while stressful exercise increased the occurrence of influenza in laboratory mice, quercetin, a powerful antioxidant present in apples and other fruits and vegetables, canceled out that negative effect."
That effect carries over to humans. The proof is in another study showing that human taking daily-doses, of this flu-fighting antioxidant, proved to have fewer respiratory infections following three days of exhaustive exercise. And those results should carry over and to those not only physically exhausted, but also emotionally stressed out, sedentary individuals.
In addition, there are other benefits from quercetin. It is know to reduce inflammation, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, improve lung function and more.
Dietary supplements of quercetin are available, but it can be readily found in foods such as "grapes, blueberries, broccoli, tea and red wine. ...and is especially abundant in the outermost layers of red onions and in the skins of apples."
5 comments:
Glad to hear this. I eat an apple most days (usually around 6 apples a week). I also have blueberries two or three times a week for breakfast plus I drink tea daily. I always knew the fruit was beneficial because it provided me with lots of fibre and a good mix of vitamins. However, if it contains quercetin which is beneficial as well then that's another fantastic bonus.
Thats really new! an apple sue the flue away! lol thats kind of funny, though i eat apple every week but not regularly! Fruits are becoming alternatives to medicines.. wow
ooh so this IS TRUE??
must be why I never ever ever get sick. need to use those sick days anyway---for me days :)
Really..I thought apples are just treats to children who suffers from flu just like a candy. But look,it isn't just like that. We really can't predict the evolution of medical techniques.
Oh I love apples! It is really a good source of such vitamins! Thanks for posting this!
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I always try to respond to any comments made.