A Natural Remedy That Goes Both Ways

Apples have been used as natural remedies at least as far back as the Roman empire, where they were used as a treatment for diarrhea.

Apples actually help both diarrhea and constipation, acting both as a laxative and anti-diarrheal.

One of the key soluble fibers in apples is pectin. Pectin is contained in many fruits, and is a key reason that fruits are healthful. There are many other factors, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc., but pectin has some special effects in the digestive system that I want to discuss here.

Pectin acts as a laxative stool softener, so it is very helpful in treating constipation. Pectin is also a key ingredient in many over the counter anti-diarrheal preparations. Intestinal bacteria convert the pectin into a soothing and protective coating for the intestinal lining, which is often irritated by the microorganisms which cause diarrhea.

Apple pectin also helps control blood sugar levels, and reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.

Apples also contain a natural fruit sugar, sorbitol, which has some natural laxative properties.

Apple juice has a cooling effect on skin rashes.

The polyphenols (polyphenols are chemicals in plants, some are responsible for the color of the plant and some have antioxidant properties) in apples help prevent cell damage, and may lower the risk of heart attack.