Health Benefits of Fruits for Dogs: Nutritious Treats!
Polphenols: A Fruitful Discovery
It was a groundbreaking revelation 120 years ago when scientists discovered that fruits could protect humans and significantly reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. However, it wasn't until modern times that they pinpointed the hero behind this protection: the polyphenols found within fruits.
But hold on, not all is well for our furry friends. Dogs can't digest polyphenols directly, but here's the twist: when they consume these compounds, they're broken down by the bacteria in their intestines. These bacteria then produce numerous beneficial substances for the dogs, such as shortchain fatty acids.
Did you know that every 100 grams of apples or pears contains about 200 to 300 milligrams of polyphenols? Simply put, regularly feeding your dog apples and pears can only do him good.
Not only do these compounds prevent cancer, but they also reside not in the fruit's flesh but in its skin. For both humans and dogs, consuming resveratrol, a type of polyphenol found in fruits, can kill off bacteria that cause colon cancer and control the spread and growth of cancer cells.
They also have antiinflammatory properties. When you're sick or injured, inflammation rushes immune cells to the affected area to fight off invaders. But if this inflammation doesn't resolve promptly, it can turn into chronic inflammation, leading to a host of chronic diseases.
Common chronic diseases in dogs include cancer, allergies, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, among others.
Fast forward to just six years ago, when a study propelled fruits to the pinnacle of health. In 2014, the National Institutes of Health in the United States conducted a study on the antiinflammatory effects of fruits. They divided mice into three groups and fed them for three months in different ways:
Group 1: Normal diet
Group 2: Highfat, highsugar diet
Group 3: Highfat, highsugar diet, plus some cranberry juice
Upon dissection, the third group, which consumed the cranberry juice rich in polyphenols, had significantly lower inflammation than the other two groups. The polyphenols in the cranberry juice suppressed inflammation.
Antioxidants are another key benefit. Free radicals, the byproducts of various biochemical reactions in the body, are both a defense mechanism and a doubleedged sword. While they are crucial for our health, an overabundance can lead to cellular damage and inflammation. Fruits, however, contain polyphenols like curcumin and resveratrol that combat these excess free radicals.
Polphenols also help balance the gut microbiome. Imagine feeding your dog isn't just about feeding him; it's about introducing millions of bacteria into his digestive system. The battle between good and bad bacteria is akin to a war, where the outcome depends not just on numbers but also on support. Polyphenols provide ample support to the good bacteria, ensuring they win every battle.
And let's not forget detoxification. The liver is a vital organ, responsible for detoxifying and producing nutrients. But some toxins can stick to the liver, leading to diseases over time. Polyphenols can activate the liver's phase 1 and phase 2 enzymes to protect it, breaking down harmful toxins into smaller molecules and then excreting them from the body.
Fruits aren't just beneficial for dogs; they're a powerhouse for humans too. The research mentioned here is primarily focused on us, but scientists have found that fruits offer similar benefits to many animals, including our beloved dogs.
