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"Everyone says they have all kinds of illnesses these days, and I say, it's strange that you haven't been sick these years!" said Sun Yaodong, 78, a retired middle school history teacher, thus opening up a conversation with his old neighbor. The topic naturally fell on his "apple juice plan" for half a year.
Since his retirement, Sun Yaodong has been paying close attention to his diet and lifestyle habits, and he believes that a reasonable diet is essential to maintaining health.
One day, while reading a newspaper, he came across an article mentioning that apples are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the human body, so he decided to drink a glass of homemade apple juice every day.
This habit persisted for half a year, and Sun Yaodong felt that his physique had improved significantly. In particular, his digestive system and sleep quality have improved a lot. Not only that, but the radiance of his skin that even those young people envied was inadvertently displayed on his face.
One day half a year later, Sun Yaodong went to the hospital for a routine physical examination, and after the doctor checked his various physiological indicators, he couldn't help but exclaim: "Mr. Yaodong, your physical condition is really amazing, indicators like you are rare to see in young people." Do you have any special health tips?"
"Oh, what's this, it's just a glass of apple juice a day. Sun Yaodong replied with a smile. The doctor was even more curious, because it was unbelievable that apple juice alone could bring such an effect.
When the doctor returned to the office, he began to review relevant information in an attempt to explain the results of Sun Yaodong's physical examination from a scientific point of view. Doctors have found that apples are rich in antioxidants, which can effectively help us resist free radical damage and slow down cell aging.
Moreover, the fructose in apple juice provides a steady stream of energy and does not cause a sharp spike in blood sugar like other sugary beverages. This is especially important for older people.
After in-depth research, doctors found that although apple juice is beneficial for most people, there is actually a secret ingredient that no one knows, and that is the phytochemicals in apple peel - plant sterols.
These substances are often overlooked in the ordinary apple juice making process, as many people remove the apple skin before making apple juice.
Plant sterols are particularly helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease. Sun Yaodong is a person who doesn't like to peel, and every time he makes apple juice, he retains the apple peel, which undoubtedly doubles the health effect of apple juice.
What's even more interesting is that apple peels also contain high amounts of flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation and protects cells from oxidative stress.
This may be one of the reasons why Sun Yaodong feels that his skin is getting better. Moreover, flavonoids have also been shown to increase levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help improve mood and cognitive function, which is especially important in older adults.
In addition, the natural sugars in apple juice provide sustained energy, and this slow and steady release of energy is very beneficial for maintaining daily vitality in the elderly. It does not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and then a rapid drop like artificial sugar, which is very bad for the health of the elderly.
However, there are still people in the community who have doubts about this "apple juice therapy", especially those who have not felt a noticeable change after trying it.
In a community health lecture, Mr. Zhang raised his doubts: "Doctor, I also tried apple juice for a while with Yaodong's method, but I don't feel that my blood sugar has improved, why is that?"
The doctor smiled and replied, "Mr. Zhang, your question is very good. First of all, we need to understand that everyone's physical condition and metabolic rate are different.
While apple juice is good for many people, the size and speed of the effects can vary from person to person. In addition, blood sugar control is influenced by many factors, such as other dietary habits, the amount of exercise, and whether you take other medications.
I recommend that you monitor your body changes at the same time and, if necessary, consult a medical professional for personalized adjustments. Also, make sure to include apple peels when making apple juice, which allows for more beneficial phytochemicals.
This answer not only answered Mr. Zhang's questions, but also gave other listeners a deeper understanding of apple juice and its health benefits.
What do you think about a glass of apple juice every day for 78-year-olds?