Morina Gael They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but does it really? To find out if this age-old wisdom holds any weight, I decided to conduct a little experiment: eating one fresh apple every single morning on an empty stomach for a month. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but the results genuinely surprised me. From energy shifts to digestive changes, here is exactly what happened when I made the humble apple my morning ritual.
The Morning Energy Jolt Was Real
When I used to get up I always went for my coffee. Apples have no caffeine, but are high in natural sugars (fructose) and vitamins that give a gradual energy release. Within the first seven days, I noticed that I got a clean wake-up call without any of the dreaded 11:00 AM coffee crash by eating an apple.
My Digestion Got a Major Upgrade
Apples are packed with dietary fibre, especially the soluble fibre pectin. After day 4 my digestive system was working like clockwork. Pectin is considered a prebiotic and feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This is a lifesaver if you are having trouble getting up in the morning, especially in the bathroom.
Mid-Morning Snack Cravings Vanished
I’m known for my afternoon eating habit of 10:30 AM. As time passes, by then, my belly has started to gnaw at my buttons like a rabid dog. I did have a feeling of fullness, though, thanks to the water and fiber in the apples. The fiber slows the digestion and I very easily got through to lunchtime without looking at the vending machine.
My Skin Started to Glow
This was a pleasant surprise! Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that apples contain and it is important in the production of collagen. By the 14-day point, I could see my skin was more glowing and less tired. You’d be surprised at the benefits of drinking the fruit that’s packed full of nutrients when you wake up in the morning to get your intake of water!
Blood Sugar Rollercoasters Leveled Out
Refined carbohydrates and sugary cereals raise blood sugar initially and then drop, which can lead to a feeling of hunger later in the day. If you have refined carbohydrate foods at breakfast or sugary cereals, your blood sugar will rise and then drop, causing you to feel hungry later in the day. Apples have a low Glycemic Index (GI), which means that they release glucose slowly. I had a nice sense all month long of focus and stability, not the brain fog that follows a good breakfast.
The “Apple Acid” Adjustment Period
But it wasn’t all perfect either. I did experience some slight acid reflux during the first couple of days. Apples are rich in malic acid, and when eaten on an empty stomach sometimes cause sensitivity for prone individuals. I fixed it by having a glass of water just before eating the apple, which was just the right amount of water to neutralize the acid.
My Gym Workouts Felt Better
I like to train in the morning, but eating a big breakfast leads to nausea, and fasting leads to weakness. The apple proved to be the perfect pre-workout snack. It gave me enough easily digestible carbs to power my muscles without giving me a heavy feeling while I’m active during cardio.
An Unexpected Boost in Oral Health
It’s certainly not a substitute for a toothbrush and floss, but chewing an apple increases saliva production. Saliva neutralises any food debris and reduces the acidity of your mouth. Also, the apple skin was quite fibrous and felt like a light brush on my teeth, and my mouth felt quite fresh.
A Simple Mindset Shift
In addition to the tangible rewards, choosing a healthy option at the start of the day was a force that was multiplied. I started my day off on the right foot, and it paid off during my lunch and dinner as well. It was a great way to demonstrate how little of a habit can transform your life.
