Apples: The Wonder Fruit

Here is just a small sample of the 7,000 types of apples grown:

These apples are pictured on page 10 of Reader's Digest Creative Cooking Cook Book, published by the Reader's Digest Association, Inc, 1977.

Apples were first introduced to our country by John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed (1774 - 1845). He dedicated 49 years of his life planting apple seeds, trees and tending to his orchards. His dream was for a land blossoming with apple trees every where, and hunger no where. He was known as a kind eccentric man who traveled bare foot with a pan for a hat, and slept out doors in all types of weather. His orchards were created in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and 200 years later many of these trees still bear fruit.

WHY APPLES?

1. Apples are the perfect snack to take on a trip
2. They are fat free
3. They taste great
4. They do not need refrigeration
5. They boost energy, while satisfying hunger
6. They contain antioxidant phytonutrients that help fight the effects of LDL cholesterol
7. One apple provides as much dietary fiber as a bowl of bran cereal
8. Apples strengthen lung function while lowering the incidence of lung cancer
9. Apples contain the essential trace element, boron. Boron has been shown to strengthen bones.
10. Eating a couple of apples a day significantly cuts heart disease risk
11. Eating an apple aids in freshening one's breath
12. Apples are versatile, salad, desert, snack; the possibilities are limitless

What we heard about beauty is only skin deep applies largely to apples, as many of the nutrients and fiber of an apple is found in the skin and directly under the peel.

My friend, and fellow writer on Triond, Chan Lee Peng has given us many reasons to eat apples in this comprehensive article, which explained that different apples give us different health benefits.

APPLES CONTAIN QUERCITIN & CATECHIN

Flavonoids, especially quercitin, which are found in apples and their skins, appear to reduce the risk of lung cancer. In fact, some studies indicate that daily consumption of apples decreases the risk of lung cancer by half!

Quercitin is also a phytochemical found in the skin of apples and red onions. This agent has been isolated and sold in health food stores as a dietary supplement because of its amazing abilities. It is a powerful anti-oxidant which works naturally as an anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory. It has been used to relieve allergic symptoms and asthma. Its anti-inflammatory properties assist with reducing the pain associated with arthritis. Quercitin is thought to be useful in the reduction of symptoms like anxiety, depression, and fatigue and has also been shown to benefit with problems related to the prostrate.

Catechins, found in apples have been found to be many times more powerful than vitamin C in providing health benefits, and protecting the body from disease.

Another flavonoid found in apples, phloridzin was used in a study published in Calcified Tissue International, which proved that the phloridzin found in apples increased bone density in test cases.

APPLES ARE HIGH IN FIBER

About 80% of the fiber found in apples is soluble fiber, which is effective at reducing cholesterol. The balance is insoluble fiber which aids in the prevention of cancers.

APPLES CONTAIN NUTRIENTS

While being low in calories, high in fiber, packed with lots of disease fighting chemicals, they also have vitamins and minerals; Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, Niacin, Phosphorous Magnesium, Iron, Potassium and the trace element Boron.

APPLESAUCE CAN SUBSTITUTE FOR OIL

Applesauce can be used as a fat free substitute for oil or shortening. It creates a tasty, moist cake or bread with fewer calories.

APPLES AID IN MEMORY AND MENTAL ACUITY

New research being conducted at the University of Massachusetts by Professor Thomas Shea has shown the consumption of apples and apple juice improves memory and learning. Research indicates that the nutrients in apples repair age related brain damage such as Alzheimer's.

PREVENTS KIDNEY STONES

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that drinking ½ to 1 liter of apple, grapefruit, or orange juice daily significantly lowers the risk of forming kidney stones.

THE BRAEBURN APPLE PROVIDES PROTECTION FROM THE SUN

This particular variety of apple was found to provide the strongest concentration of phenols in the apples skin giving this variety the best ability to provide UV-B protection.

PERFECT DIET FOOD

Apples provide enzymes important in the production of energy, while providing one with complex carbohydrates which burn slower allowing for a longer more even level of energy. Snacking on apples can keep one going all day without piling up the calories other carbohydrates might.

GOOD SENSE FOR GOOD HEALTH

“Most people today know that good nutrition and good health are related and that poor nutrition frequently leads to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Unfortunately, few people realize that poor nutrition also is an underlying factor in other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and acne.” (source)

As research continues, apples look more inviting. Leave the skin on, and enjoy an apple today. You deserve to be healthy.