Facts And Health Benefits of An apple

Apples originated in Kazakhstan but are cultivated worldwide now. The fruit is oval, round or pear shaped with colours ranging from Green, yellow, off white to red. Apples a have a mix of sweet to sour taste. The pulp is juicy and crunchy. Apples are the second most grown fruit in the United States after Oranges. China is the leader in apple production.

Apples which are bright and shining and have a glow to their skin should be bought as they are fresh. Never store a bruised apple with other good apples as the ethylene gas released by the damaged one can spoil the rest of them.

When apples are sliced the slices start turning brown after sometime. To prevent them from turning brown put the slices in cold water which has lemon juice added to it.

Apples should be eaten on empty stomach. It removes heat and dryness from the body. If it is eaten on empty stomach and milk is drunk after this for a couple of months, it improves complexion and makes the cheeks ruddy. Apple benefits health.

Apples are rated above grapes and oranges in benefits to health.

Apples contain Malic acid which is beneficial to the intestine, liver and brain. It has phosphorus which keeps the stomach clean and strengthens it. Apple and Apple juice is full of vitamins and minerals.

Apples should be eaten with their skins as the skin contains Quercetin which is a flavonoid which is reported to benefit in heart disease, high cholesterol, allergies, cancer, cataract, diabetes, asthma, gout and other diseases.

The pectin and poly phenols in the apple mainly function as antioxidants to which have been attributed the beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases including lowering of cholesterol, preventing oxidation of fats, both lipids and triglycerides. The poly phenols also regulate the blood sugar. The anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties also benefit in lung cancer and asthma.

Apple benefits health in Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration of the eyes also.

All these health benefits with eating just 1 apple a day.

Some of these are

1. Pectin.

2. Boron.

3. Quercetin.

4. Vitamin C.

5. Phytonutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 kg apples
• 1 kg sugar
• 1 1/2 litre water
• 4 grams citric acid or juice of 2 limes

Directions

1. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water. Strain syrup through a fine muslin cloth.

2. Put apples in syrup and bring to a boil. Remove from fire and cool overnight.

3. Next day, take out apples, strain syrup and add apples and boil for 20-30 minutes. Cool overnight.

4. Repeat same process till syrup is quite thick. (Put a drop of the syrup in a saucer of water; it should form a bead). Takes about 4-6 days.

5. Add lime juice or citric acid (prevents sugar crystallization). Allow it to cool.

6. The following ingredients can be added: saffron for colour, pepper for taste and cardamom for flavour. Fill into bottles and put airtight lids on. Store in a cool dark place.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or embarking on a new health regime.