Why Apples Are The Best Valentine Gifts
By Guest Contributor: Kimberly Grimms
Photo via Pinterest
You’ve probably heard it a lot before but I’ll say it anyway, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Cliché as it sounds, there is much truthfulness to this statement as this adage might be the best way to describe why apples are the best fruit. Now, that might inspire you to grow your own apple trees or simply take a walk down the nearest farmer’s market. But whatever your choice, it is sure to be a win-win situation. One thing to remember though: this oval- shaped, juicy and crunchy fruit is not as simple as it seems, it’s packed with a number of benefits and is masking beautiful complexities that make it the ideal Valentine gift.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Red
As popularized by the Disney classic, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, shiny red apples symbolizes wicked and manipulative. Translating that in modern world is not as negative as you’d think. Today, a bunch of luscious red apples represent energy, passion and action; basically, terms associated with Valentine’s Day. It triggers the emotions and motivates us to do something. Red also exudes warmth and positivity, and is often used to denote love, that is why it’s the perfect color for the season of hearts.
Give More Love from a Healthier Heart
Out of a number of foods measured for their antioxidant, and out of a number of varieties of apple trees for sale, only 2 types went through: Red Delicious (12th) and Granny Smith (13th). Antioxidants or disease-fighting compounds present in these apples are believed to help prevent and repair oxidation damage that occurs during normal cell activity. Apples are also full of a soluble fiber known as pectin- 1 medium sized apple has about 4 grams. High intake of this fermentable and viscous fiber slows down the build-up of cholesterol in your arteries and is the key to blunting blood sugar swings.
Together with taking care of our heart, apples also:
- Avoid Alzheimer’s
- Provides protection against parkinsonism
- Reduce risk of diabetes and all sorts of cancer
- Prevent gallstones
- Fight diarrhea and constipation
- Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome
- Control weight
- Detoxify liver
- Prevent cataracts
- Boost the immune system
Get Sweeter and Brighter Smiles
Apart from numerous health benefits, apples have dental benefits as well. Their astringent quality makes them the food suitable for cleansing and brightening teeth. Although, its acidic nature alone is not enough to make your teeth white, it requires the help of the fiber-rich flesh of the apple. Munching and snacking on these crunchy delights also stave off hunger. It also helps scrub away stubborn coffee stains but that doesn’t mean you can leave out brushing your teeth.
Hug Mother Nature As Well
The moment you choose to gift a tree for Valentine’s Day could be one of the many chances you can give back to the environment. Planting a tree would make a big difference to our fast-paced and industrial world; we’ll have fresher air to breathe reducing the risk of inhaling polluted air. When it’s raining, trees absorbs the water which in turn, eliminates floods.
Giving a basket of scrumptious apples or choosing to gift a tree— It might not appeal to you as the most romantic thing to do during the Valentine season but it’s one of the best ways to let your loved ones know you truly care for them. It only happens once a year so let’s make St. Valentine proud; plans a romantic dinner, open a bottle of red and pack a bunch of apples or gift an apple tree. Not only do we watch over others’ health, we also change the environment— 1 apple tree at a time.
Kimberly Grimms is a futurist who spends most of her time monitoring social behavior in search for new consumer trends.
by Editor