Apple

Apple is one of the deciduous trees and bushes of the rose family bearing firm pome fruits with sweet or sweet and sour taste. There are more than 1500 species of apples and it has been under cultivation since prehistoric times. People started growing apples as early as Neolithic age. The most popular cultivar is the common apple grown worldwide. The common apple tree may reach the age of one hundred years. The tree blossoms in April-May.

Apple in Brief

Apple is growing in many temperate regions of Europe and Central Asia. Commercial orchards are placed in regions with mild temperature extremes and fertile well-watered soils. Apples are divided into summer, fall and winter cultivars depending on when the fruits ripe. Late cultivars are more hardy and can be stored longer. Winter cultivars are picked unripe and they are slowly ripening off the tree until January. Fruits are eaten raw or dried. They are processed into juices, wines, cider, jams and cooked in enjoyable apple pies.

Apple and Obesity Treatment

Apples are scientifically proven to be an effective preventive measure against obesity and are used in obesity treatment. They are low in calories and reduce fat uptake. Apple’s potassium content promotes flushing out excess water. Daily eating of apples is a must for knowledge workers with sedentary lifestyle to prevent premature aging.

Health Benefits of Apples

Here’s the list of health benefits of apple.

• Apples provide organic acids, sugars, vitamins C, A, B1, carotene, tannin and pectin, trace elements (iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium), essential oils and other substances.
• Apples reduce cholesterol that is a leading cause of atherosclerosis. It is explained by apple’s pectin and fiber content. Insoluble fiber molecules attach to cholesterol, removing it from the body.
• Sour cultivars rich in iron and cuprum are widely used in anemia treatment.
• Apple skin is rich in quercetin, which is an antioxidant that together with vitamin C neutralizes free radicals in our body.
• Researchers believe that pectin in apples can bind such harmful substances as lead and arsenic removing them from the body.
• Insoluble fiber in apples prevents constipation and removes toxins, which lowers the risk of large bowel cancer.

Apple and Digestive System

Apples can help to improve digestion. Pectin cures diarrhea. Apples are traditionally considered as a natural remedy against digestive disorders. It is linked to apple and wine acids in apples that promote digestion.

How to Eat Apples to Get Maximum Health Benefits

In addition, apples boost the immune system and help maintain normal blood sugar level. It is recommended that apples are eaten raw, but they retain most nutrients after the thermal treatment. It’s not a great idea to peel apples as apple skin contains much of pectin and fiber.