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7/26/2011

Nutrition Advice From the Talking Snake

Maybe the snake was trying to be helpful when he(?) suggested that Eve eat the "fruit." Even if it wasn't really an apple, but a pomegranate, fig or a bunch of grapes. They're all good to include in your diet.


If you read my previous post, It's A (POM) Wonderful Life, then you already know about the benefits of the pomegranate. Some scholars believe the "forbidden fruit" was really a pomegranate.


But, what if it werean apple. Well, apples supply quercetin, an antioxidant that has an antihypertensive effect. A 2010 study also showed that it can help improve your endurance. A medium apple provides about 5 grams of fiber, and is relatively low in sugar ( 11-20% on average.)


Other scholars postulate that the fruit in question was really a fig. After all, Adam and Eve did clothe themselves with fig leaves. In moderation, figs could be a good addition to your diet. Five figs can supply about 20% of your RDA of fiber, but they are about 60% sugar. That's the most sugar of any commonly available fruit. They are, however, an excellent source of vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. They are a little scary looking though.


Finally, grapes are also on the list of usual suspects for the fruit that tempted Eve. About 15-30% sugar depending upon the variety, grapes are loaded with polyphenols that help lower cholesterol. They are a good source of B vitamins, manganese, and vitamins A and C.


So, no matter the fruit, heed the snake- he knew what he was talking about.

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