The adage "An apple a day will keep the doctor away" may very well be true. In the second century, Galen, the famous court physician to the emperors and the gladiators, prescribed apple wine as a cure-all for nearly every ailment. Depending on how apples are used, it can relieve both constipation and diarrhea. Apples (Pyrus malus) are also rich in soluble fiber, a substance that helps regulate blood sugar, preventing a sudden increase, or drop, in serum sugar levels. Pectin, a type of soluble fiber found in apples, has received much attention lately because of its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Apples also are a traditional remedy for rheumatism.

Apples have many benefits - they help regulate normal bowel function, help prevent both diarrhea and constipation, reduce cholesterol and normalize blood sugar, and apples are a traditional remedy for joint pain and stiffness due to rheumatism.

To take advantage of the benefits of apples, try one of the following: For diarrhea, eat a grated, peeled apple. To help regulate digestion, simmer dried apples in warm water and, for maximum benefit, eat 1 to 2 medium-sized apples every day.

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