Apple
The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," addressing the health effects of the fruit, dates from 19th century Wales. Research suggests that apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Compared to many other fruits and vegetables, apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C as well as several other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They may also help with heart disease, weight loss, and controlling cholesterol, as they do not have any cholesterol, have fiber, which reduces cholesterol by preventing reabsorption, and are bulky for their caloric content like most fruits and vegetables.
There is evidence that in vitro apples possess phenolic compounds which may be cancer-protective and demonstrate antioxidant activity. The predominant phenolic phytochemicals in apples are quercetin, epicatechin and procyanidin B2.
Apple juice concentrate has been found to increase the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in mice, providing a potential mechanism for the "prevent[ion of] the decline in cognitive performance that accompanies dietary and genetic deficiencies and aging." Other studies have shown an "alleviat[ion of] oxidative damage and cognitive decline" in mice after the administration of apple juice.
The seeds are mildly poisonous, containing a small amount of amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside; usually not enough to be dangerous to humans, but it can deter birds.
We've all heard that "an apple a day will keep the doctor away." While it will certainly take more than a daily apple to keep you healthy, it is a step in the right direction. Apples are delicious, easy to carry for snacking, low in calories, a natural mouth freshener, and they are still very inexpensive.
Apple Nutrition Info
Apples are a highly nutritious and cleansing fruit. They are a good source of vitamins A and B1 and rich in a number of minerals including potassium, calcium, phosphorus and sodium, and the bioflavonoid quercetin.
The fruit is rich in pectin, which can help reduce high cholesterol levels and remove toxic metals such as lead and mercury from the body; it is very beneficial for intestinal problems and it binds radioactive residues and excretes them from the body. In addition, apple juice is very cleansing for the liver and gall bladder.
It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fiber content. Most of an apple's fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor.
Interesting Facts
• Apples come in all shades of reds, greens, yellows.
• 2500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States.
• 7500 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world.
• The science of apple growing is called pomology.
• Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
• Apple varieties range in size from a little larger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit.
• In Europe, France, Italy and Germany are the leading apple producing countries.
• Apples are a member of the rose family.
Types of Apple
There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today, although most people have only tasted one or two of the most popular such as Pink Ladies, Red Delicious or Granny Smiths. Apples can be sweet, tart, soft and smooth or crisp and crunchy, depending on the one you choose. There is an apple to suit almost everyone's taste so have an apple today!
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/
