“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Familiar with the phrase? This phrase has been heard by many of us, probably for hundreds of times. This phrase expresses how “powerful” apple is for human’s health. Is it true?
From the encyclopedia, apple is described as a fruit of several species of apple trees. The wikipedia explains that apple is included in the species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. The native home of the fruit is actually unknown for certain, but there is an assumption that the tree originated probably in the area between the Caspian and the Black Seas. And there is evidence showing that apple has been known from the years of ancient Greeks and Romans.
Apples are now spread around the globe. It becomes the favorite of many people, because of its good taste and inexpensive price. In Indonesia, we are very proud of our local apple, Apel Malang (Apple from Malang). Moreover, the global trading of the fruit made us here in Indonesia able to consume apples from USA, China, Australia, or other countries.
The old phrase we have mentioned before; “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is not just another phrase. Apple does have real benefits for health. This is because the fruit contains several amounts of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and it is also rich with antioxidant. When it comes to the health benefits of fruit, apples lead the pack.
Even in the Romans age, apple was used to “clean” the digestion organs. This is possible due to the tartar acid contained inside the fruit. The tartar acid can help to obstruct the growth of illnesses caused by bacteria that lives inside the digestion channel.
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber. Most of the fiber is contained in the skin of the fruit. This is why, it is suggested to consume apple as a whole, including the skin. Unfortunately, the skin of the fruits is also the part most likely to contain pesticide residues and may have toxic residues if covered in petroleum-based waxes, which commonly used in conventionally grown apples. So, in order to gain all the beneficial substances of the fruit, mainly the fiber, it is best to choose apples that are grown organically.
The fiber contained in apples not only good to treat constipation, but also good to heal diarrhea. In the book of “Healing Foods” written by Miriam Polunnin clearly mentioned this matter. The book wrote that apples are very beneficial for digestion.
Apples contain high amount of photochemical substances, which among others are flavonoids and phenol that are good for health of the heart. In USA and Europe, the fruit has been an important diet for the people of the two regions. Consuming apples can contribute about 22% intake of fruit-originated phenol. And if compared with other fruits, apples contain the highest amount of free phenol.
Phenol and another substance called pectin, each is important in lowering cholesterol level. However, the combination of the two inside apples can give more effect compared the effect the two substances given separately. So, the complete chemistry components in the apples synergy with each other to support the health of who ever that consumes them.
The US National Cancer Institute stated that apple contain the most amounts of flavonoids than any other fruits. This particular substance, the report said, is capable to lower the risk of lung cancer up to 50%. Moreover, a research conducted at Mayo clinic, USA, in 2001 had proven that one kind of flavonoids called quacertin that contained in apple, is also capable to prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Apples are very good for diabetic people, even though they taste pretty sweet. This is possible because the sweetness of the fruit is natural, derived from fructose, a simple sugar that is broken down slowly, especially combined with the high amount of fiber the apples contain. The combination can help to stabilize the blood sugar level.
Apples, particularly apple juice, can also reduce the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. The British Journal of Nutrition had published one study that found evidence about women who drank ½ to 1 liter of apple, or grapefruit, or orange juice daily. Those women’s urinary pH values and citric acid excretion increased, which significantly reduce the risk of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Apples also contain high concentrate of tannin. According to the “The Journal of American Dental Association” in 1998, tannin contains the substance that can help prevent teeth damage and gums diseases caused by accumulation of plaque. As an addition, tannin also functions to prevent infection on urethra.
The antioxidant compounds contained in the apples, especially vitamin C and quercetin can help prevent memory and brain-function damages triggered by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is not the stress exists inside the mind, but it is a condition of limitedness of antioxidant intake. This can make the body incapable to neutralize the free radicals, which are the cause of several illnesses, from cataract to cancer.s
As we know, there are varieties of apples based on the color. We can easily find yellow, green, and red apples in the market nowadays. Do you know that the colors in fruits, including apples, are a sign of good health? The green apples are claimed to be good for strong bones, teeth, aids in vision, and anti-cancer properties. Yellow apples are good for heart and eyes, immune system, and reduce the risk of several cancers. As for the red apples, they are good for heart, memory function, lower the risk of some cancers, and maintaining urinary tract health.
Those are some information I have gathered about the health benefits of apples. What do you think? Perhaps you will start to consume apples more often and more regularly after finding out about the fact of the fruits. And, obviously, you cannot complain about the taste. They are crunchy and sweet. And most important, they are so good for our health.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.bouquetoffruits.com
http://encyclopedia.farlex.com
http://www.whfoods.com
http://news.bbc.co.uk
http://www.geocities.com
http://www.bkpsulteng.go.id
http://www.benih.net
