Benefits of the Apple - How Can Eating an Apple a Day Help You with Good Health?
Apples need no introduction. From the biblical Adam and Eve to the most popular quote, apples have their own story to tell. A pome fruit of the apple tree, apple is the member of the rose family. The tree belongs to the species Malus domestica, in the rose family Rosaceae and is small, deciduous tree that reaches up to 9.8 to 39 ft (about 3-12 meters). Apple trees were mainly found in the Southwestern Asia and Eastern Europe, but today they have spread their roots to most temperate regions of the earth. But, do you know how can eating an apple a day help you with good health? Well, this article presents some key benefits of consuming apples.
A medium-sized apple has a moderately sweet and refreshing flavor. There are various types of apples including Golden Delicious apples, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious apples. Other varieties of apples include Fuji and Braeburn apples. Pippins and Granny Smith apples are known for their tartness and are often used in preparing desserts such apple pie. There are about 7,000 varieties of apples worldwide, thanks to many cultivars and hybrids developed.
Apples are the best way to adorn various recipes and desserts, but did you know there are innumerable unique health benefits of apples? With a blend of many nutrients, an apple is a sure shot way to keep your doctor away, if consumed daily. Here are various nutritional benefits of apples:
(Image: Photograph of an apple, courtesy: Apple https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/95apple.jpeg)
Health Benefits of Apples
Apples have high nutrition content. A medium-sized apple contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and phosphorous. It is also a rich source of folate (vitamin B9), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and vitamin C. The apple’s skin is a major source of dietary fiber.
An apple is rich in phytonutrients like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide the fruit’s anti-cancer and anti-oxidant benefits. Antioxidants prevent cancer by removing free radicals which damage the cells. Let us learn more about other benefits of apples:
An Apple a Day Keeps your Heart Healthy Everyday!
The phytonutrients in apples act as antioxidants to keep our heart healthy. Antioxidants protect the cardio-vascular system. The 2007 March issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition presented the results of a study conducted on 34,000 women. In this study, apples rich in flavonoid were found to be a good food for reducing the risk cardiovascular (CVD) and coronary heart disease among post-menopausal women. The study was conducted as a part of the Iowa Women’s Health Study.
Apples Play Important Role in reducing neurodegenerative disorders:
According to studies conducted by Cornell University food scientists, consuming an apple a day may supply major bioactive compounds, which may play a key role in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The phenolic chemicals in apples are natural antioxidants that may protect nerve cells and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
Apple Protects Women from Osteoporosis:
An apple contains a flavonoid called phloridzin, which can be a boon for osteoporosis patients, especially for post-menopausal women suffering from osteoporosis. Apples also contain Boron, which helps in strengthening our bones.
Apples lower risks associated with lung disorders:
Several studies have proved the benefits of apples in lowering lung disorders including asthma. Apples boast a long list of flavonoids, including phloridzin, that play an important role to support lung function and lung health.
By now you may have got the answers to your question “how can eating an apple a day help you with good health?” Now let’s look at what the key apple storage and consumption concerns are.
Apple Consumption and Storage Tips
• While choosing apples, ensure they are organically grown. The skins of conventionally grown apples are likely to contain toxic residues of pesticides and harm your health.
• Choose firm apples that have a rich coloring. If you are looking for the sweetest of the apples, then select the Golden and Red Delicious ones. If you have a preference for tarts, choose Pippin or Granny Smith apples.
• Better prefer whole fruits than apple juice to enjoy the nutritional benefits of apples. Whole apples are a rich source of dietary fiber.
• The best place to store apples is in the fridge’s crisper. Do not keep apples at room temperature as they soften much faster.
• Storing apples with other vegetables results in rapid disintegration of vegetables.
(Image: The apple tree blossom, courtesy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Apple_tree_blossom)
Additional References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple
https://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15
https://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html