Facts about Apples

Apple is world's one of the most popular fruits. It is known for its wonderful taste as well as its high nutritional value. It is a popular low-calorie snack. It can be eaten any time of the day in its original form or juice form. It is used for preparing a variety of food recipes such as milk shakes, fruit salad and desserts. Apple is processed to produce various products such as applesauce, apple juices, or dehydrated apple products. As apple provides a number of health benefits, it is recommended to eat an apple everyday for good health. Let’s get some interesting facts about apples.

Facts about Apples

• Apples originated in the Middle East about 4000 years ago.
• They are the members of rose family. They are available round the year.
• More than 7,500 varieties of apples are grown all over the world.
• United States is known for growing about 2,500 varieties of apples.
• The science of apple-growing is known as pomology.
• Apples come in different variety of colors such as red, yellow, green, etc.
• Different varieties of apples range in size, from a bit bigger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit.
• Some of the popular varieties of apples are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala apples, Fuji apples, Granny Smith, Rome, Empire, Idared, etc.
• About 25% of their volume is air. That’s why, fresh apples float on water.
• A medium-size apple contains about 80 calories.
• It requires about 36 apples to produce one gallon of apple cider.

Nutrition Facts about Apples

Apple is known for having a great nutritional value. It is an easy-to-carry, low-calorie snack and a natural mouth freshener. One medium-size apple consists of 80 calories, 21 gm carbohydrates, 4 gm dietary fibers (soluble and insoluble), 10 mg calcium, 10 mg phosphorus, 0.25 mg iron, 159 mg potassium, 8 mg vitamin C, 73 IU vitamin A and 4 mcg folic acid.

Health Benefits of Apples

Apple is well-known for offering a number of health benefits. The health benefits of apples are associated with the phytonutrients, such as epicatechin, quercetin and procyanidin, as well as minerals and vitamins found in apples. Phytonutrients present in the apple protect us from various diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. They have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. Apple is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber such as pectin prevents the cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels and thus, reduces the risks of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Insoluble fibers in the apple improve the digestive health. Apple is a potent source of antioxidants, which are effective in preventing many health problems.

A flavanoid called phloridzin found in apple helps protect from osteoporosis and also increases bone density. Pectin in the apple lowers the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is also helpful in managing diabetes. Apple is effective in preventing various types of cancers such as liver cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer.

Knowing these facts about apples, one can believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Rich in nutrients, an apple is, no doubt, a valuable choice for improving overall health.