Can Ambrosia Apples Help with Anxiety?

The health benefits of apples for those dealing with feelings of anxiety

A 2018 study found that 41% of Canadians struggle with anxiety and nearly 30% of Canadians have been formally diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This study’s results are significantly higher than the 11.6% of anxiety sufferers reported in the last study done by Statistics Canada in 2013.

Sadly, many of the people who have anxiety believe there’s nothing they can do about it besides taking medication. Naturopaths and holistic nutritionists disagree.  They believe that there are certain foods that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and Ambrosia apples is among them.

Here’s how Ambrosia apples may help feelings of anxiety:

Serotonin Boost

Carbohydrates often get a bad rap in the world of healthy eating but our bodies do need some. Carbohydrates create serotonin, the neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy. Without sufficient serotonin, some people may struggle with feelings of anxiety. However, we don’t have to binge on pasta and bread to get our serotonin levels up – we can eat healthier carbohydrates.

A small Ambrosia apple has about 21 g of carbohydrates. This comes from a combination of the natural sugar (fructose) and fibre in the apple. As a complex carbohydrate (not a simple carbohydrate like sugar), apples help the body produce serotonin in a slow and steady way.

Healthy Gut & Digestion

Naturopaths and researchers are finding more and more evidence connecting gut health to brain health. Having a healthy microbiome (balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut) plays an important role in being able to manage stress and deter feelings of anxiety.

In addition, Ambrosia apples are a good source of fibre. Fibre contributes to healthy digestion which in turn supports that healthy microbiome. For more on this, check out this blog on prebiotics and probiotics.

Antioxidants

This 2014 study looks at the connection between oxidative stress and anxiety. It finds that those with a lower antioxidant state are more susceptible to anxiety. One of the best ways to combat oxidative stress and boost antioxidants in the body is by eating foods rich in antioxidants. Ambrosia apples (especially raw) are a good source of antioxidants. They’re packed with phytochemicals and flavonoids, including Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant.

Energy

The Depression and Anxiety Association of America states that numerous scientific studies have linked regular exercise with decreased symptoms of anxiety. However, many people struggle to find the energy for this exercise. Luckily, Ambrosia apples help to boost energy which is much needed if you’re going to maintain a regular physical fitness routine. And, Ambrosia apples can also help you recover faster from exercise as well thanks to anti-inflammatory properties.

There is one more way that Ambrosia apples can help but it’s all in how you eat your apples.

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools in battling anxiety. But, many people are intimidated by the idea of meditation and never try it. No need to be overwhelmed by the prospect! Meditation can be as easy as mindfully eating an Ambrosia apple. Focus on the task of biting into the apple, tasting it, and enjoying it. Do this singularly; eat slowly and purposefully until you’re down to the core. This simple act is a form of meditation.

And, a tasty way to fight off anxiety.