Remember how we were taught that apples could keep the doctor away; well, it seems like it can keep obesity away too. Research has found the humble Grammy Smith variety of apples to be helpful in warding off obesity-related diseases.
Experts have previously stated that apples can keep us feeling fuller for longer. They also promote levels of healthy stomach bacteria. Now, the research team, led by Giuliana Noratto of the School of Food Science at Washington State, has discovered that a few varieties of apples like the Grammy Smith can be a good source of these non-digestible compounds. The tart green Granny Smith apples help the growth of useful bacteria in the gut because of their richness in dietary fibre and polyphenols and low content of carbohydrates.
These compounds are subjected to chewing, stomach acid and digestive enzymes but they remain intact until they reach the colon. Once they reach there, bacteria in the colon ferment these compounds, which welfares the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut. According to the study, the Granny Smith apples surpass Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Red Delicious in the amount of nondigestible compounds they contain.
‘The nondigestible compounds in the Granny Smith apples actually changed the proportions of faecal bacteria from obese mice to be similar to that of lean mice,’ Noratto said. The discovery could help prevent some of the disorders associated with obesity such as low-grade, chronic inflammation that can lead to diabetes. The balance of bacterial communities in the colon of obese people is disturbed. These results in microbial byproducts that lead to inflammation and influence metabolic disorders associated with obesity, Noratto said. ‘What determines the balance of bacteria in our colon is the food we consume,’ she said.
‘Results of this study can help people differentiate between apple varieties and choose the ones preventing obesity related diseases,’ she says.
The study was published in the journal Food Chemistry.
Source: The Health Site
Image Courtesy: Getty
Read more Health News.
Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Please be informed that we are not responsible for advice/tips given by any third party in form of comments on article pages . If you have or suspect having any medical condition, kindly contact your professional health care provider.