Apples Nutrition: Health Benefits
and Nutritional
Facts
The nutrition facts of apple are
outstanding - the health benefits of apples are so great
that over the years, this bright, shiny fruit has been
considered a remedy hence the expression 'an apple a day
keeps the doctor away!' Apple provides vitamin B3,
vitamin C which strengthens the immune system, vitamin E
and vitamin K. They are a good source of dietary fibre
and pectin (pectin is soluble fibre). Apples are an
excellent diet food as eating them can make you feel
fuller for longer. This fruit can really benefit the
digestive system by assisting the function of digestion
whilst effectively detoxifying the body. Poor nutrition
can lead to many unwanted health issues and problems
including chronic constipation which can lead to
haemorrhoids and cancer of the colon.
One of the main
health benefits of apples, is their ability to decrease
the risk of
these serious health problems. Apples provide soluble fibre and insoluble fibre, therefore, eating just one
apple a day can significantly speed up the digestion
process, and maintain it at a consistent and healthy
rate, by encouraging bowel movement and reducing stomach
cramps or pains, and very importantly, removing toxins
from the body. The soluble fibre, pectin, can speed up
and slow down the digestive system accordingly - this is
the reason why apples are good for constipation and
diarrhea. |
Apples Nutrition: Nutritional
Information and Data
The rich source of fibre in apples
also reduces cholesterol as it excretes it from the
body, helping to cleanse and clear the arteries. The
nutrition of apple can help diabetes as they contain
malic acid which helps to slow down the rise of blood
sugar and assists the body by helping it to utilize energy more
efficiently. It is thought that apples can have
remarkable effects on the fight against major illness
and diseases, and perhaps being able to reduce the
risk of cancer, in fact, several varieties of cancers.
Further studies suggest that apples, particularly the apple
peel or skin, can improve lung function, protect the
brain against damage that can result in Parkinson's and
Alzheimer's disease. The apple skin contains
compounds which include procyanidin, epicatechin and
quercetin which is believed to reduce arthritic and
allergic reactions, as well as sun damage to the skin.
In fact, apples are believed to be a healer and may also
help to clear up spots and acne. As you can see, the
nutrition in an apple is so great that this wonderful
fruit is simply not worth ignoring. The benefits of
eating apples could impact your health to the extent
that this magical fruit could actually prolong you life. |
|
Apples Nutrition Facts
and Health Benefits
-
This is a
picture of Gala Apples, a well known variety which
originate from New Zealand. This type of fruit is
ideal for cooking or eating raw, it's taste and
texture is deliciously crunchy, sweet, juicy and
satisfying!
-
Apples nutrition: one
of the most popular fruits, if not the most popular!
-
Apples nutrition:
packed with health benefits, vitamins and
nutrition.
-
Fact: There are over
7000 named types of apples grown across the world.
-
The
nutritional value of apples is really quite
remarkable (See Apples Nutrition)
|
|
|
Apples
Nutrition: Carbs and Calories
Apples are low in calories and carbs,
this is a fruit which is bursting with health benefits whether its eaten raw,
fresh, cooked or dried. The amount of calories
in apples depends on the method the fruit is served or
cooked, for example if the fruit is served in syrup or
stewed with sugar, obviously it will contain more calories.
This fruit is extremely low in fat. The
following calorie guide can be used to calculate the
amount of calories and carbohydrates in apples:
Nutrition Info:
Calories in Apples per 100 grams:
Fresh, raw apples without skin
nutrition:
45 calories / 11.2 carbs in apples
Fresh, raw apples with skin
nutrition: 47 calories / 11.8 carbs in
apples
Cooking apples
nutrition: 35 calories / 8.9 carbs in apples
Cooking apples stewed with sugar
nutrition: 74 calories / 19.1 carbs
in apples
Cooking apples stewed without sugar
nutrition: 33 calories / 8.1 carbs
in apples
|
|
Apples
Nutrition: Facts and Information about Types and
Varieties of Apples
Apples can be described as one of the most recognized
and eldest types of fruits, their
history dates back to prehistoric times. The apple
is a healthy source of nutrients, vitamins and
minerals which provide nutritional value and benefits
to our health and well-being. There are over 7000
named
types of apple which are grown on trees
throughout the world. Apples vary in color from
yellow, golden, green, russet, pink and red. The
flesh is usually juicy and creamy - white colored.
The core of the apple is surrounded by pips and
seeds, it runs straight through the centre of the
fruit and joins the small stem which protrudes from
the top of the apple, where it was originally
attached to the tree.
Apples vary in size, most
are round or oval in shape, but some are huge and
oddly shaped, particular the types more suitable for
cooking recipes. The flavor of the apple can be
sweet, sour, acidic and the texture can be anything
from tender, buttery, firm to crisp. Many consider
the best type of apples to be the ripe, crisp apple
which provides a juicy but crunchy texture. Some
varieties of apple are grown solely for cooking
purposes, although in some countries they are
considered suitable for eating raw too. The name 'cooking
apples' is given to some varieties, particularly in
Great Britain where they define cooking apples as
inedible raw. The majority can be eaten straight
from the tree and this fruit is versatile which
means it can be eaten raw or cooked in many
different ways.
Apples Nutrition: Facts and Nutritional Value of Apples
The history of apples dates way back
and even held profound meaning in the Bible when Adam
and Eve were tempted by the apple on the tree of
knowledge, in the Garden of Eden. The first variety of
apple grew wild and is known by the name of Crab Apple.
The first purposely grown varieties of apples were cultivated by the
Romans who were lovers of this healthy fruit. The
ancient Romans and Greeks believed that Apples were an
aphrodisiac. In fact, this fruit has held various
symbolic meaning through the ages - for example, certain cultures labelled this
fruit a symbol of fertility. The apple has been so
popular throughout history that its been
used in games at Halloween and Christmas time such as
apple bobbing and wassailing - in fact, in many parts of
the world, this has become quite a tradition!
Apples
Nutrition: Picking and Storing
Apples
Always pick apples with smooth,
healthy looking skin which doesn't appear bruised or
damaged in any way. If you are picking an apple from a
tree, make sure there are no grub marks where bugs may
have gotten inside the apple. Test the firmness of the
fruit by squeezing it gently. The skin should be firm,
any signs of softening may indicate that the fruit is
going off or has ripened past maturity. The color of the
skin is always a great indicator of the age of the
fruit, especially the shiny red apples which can still
look great, even when they're past maturity -
don't be surprised to bite into a red apple to find the
skin is tough and the flesh too soft for eating.
Therefore, it is very important to check the health of
the fruit by determining its firmness.
Apples continue to ripen after they've been
picked, not all fruits do so. Store apples in a cool,
dry, dark place either in a paper bag or ventilated
polythene bag - the refrigerator is always an option,
especially as this fruit tastes even more delicious and
crisp when chilled. A rotten apple can spread to other
apples, so be sure to check their health and remove any
rotten fruit immediately.
Apples
Nutrition: Preparing
Apples for Cooking and retaining their nutrition
Apples can be eaten raw with their
skin on, this is the best way to receive the whole
goodness and full nutrients that this fruit has to
offer. The skin contains additional nutritional value to
the flesh as its qualities are different, so always try to eat both parts. The skin can
be peeled away, if you prefer, by using a small knife
(peeling away from yourself for safety) or a vegetable peeler
which is a safer option. Peel the skin downwards from
the stem or around the apple, following its
circumference. Remember that the apple flesh will turn
brown very quickly, within only ten minutes or so. In
order to prevent the apple from discoloring, brush the
flesh with lemon juice or cider vinegar as soon as the
fruit's been peeled. |
|
|
Apples
Nutrition: Cooking with Apples and retaining nutrition
Apples have been used in all sorts of
recipes for centuries throughout the world. Some of the
most popular dishes include apple sauce, salads such as
Waldorf salad, desserts, hot and cold puddings such as
baked apples, strudels, turnovers, cakes, pies, crumbles, tarts,
toffee apples, candied apples - whatever the occasion,
an apple recipe can be suitably used. This fruit makes an
excellent accompaniment to cheese, other fruits such as
cranberries and raisins, cinnamon and spices, poultry
such as chicken, red meats and vegetables.
Apples are
often used as part of the main Christmas or
Thanksgiving dinners. For more recipe ideas,
instructions and information about how to cook apples,
please see
apple recipes which are easy to follow and
provide instruction on how to puree, dry and bake
apples, as well as some of the most popular recipes to
make at home. |
|
|
Health
experts and nutritionists believe that a well-balanced
diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and
vegetables per day will help to considerably improve our
lifestyles and ultimately extend our lives |
|
|
|