Malus seiversii - one of the parents of the modern day apple (Malus pumila Mill or Malus domestica Borkh) - is a native of Central Asia : the Causcasus, Himalayan India, Pakistan, and Western China.
It spread, most likely, through the Silk Road where it found its way to Europe, then to the New World. Today, there are 7,000 varieties of apples cultivated around the world.
Health Benefits
Apples are not a nutritious fruit. (See Nutritional Profile). However, whatever it lacks in nutrients, it makes up in phytochemicals.
Nutrients are essential substances that supports growth and development. They are: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals , and water. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that confer health beyond vitamins and minerals.
Apples have:
- 32 cholesterol-lowering compounds
- 20 antioxidants
- 14 anti-inflammatory substances
- 9 blood-pressure (hypotensive) lowering agents
- 4 anti-clotting elements
- 18 cancer preventive constituents and
- 11 anti-tumor ingredients
In animal and human studies, apple phenolic compounds caused reductions in serum very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and liver produced triglycerides (TGs), but increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) "good" cholesterol levels.
They also reduced the oxidation of LDL reflected by reduced levels of serum diphenylhexatriene phosphatidycholine (DPHPC). DPHPC is a component of VLDL. LDL, and HDL and is an indicator of oxidation. Investigators found that apple consumption inhibited the oxidation of LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
Oxidized cholesterol causes the transformation of white cells into "foam" cells that deposit themselves along arterial walls.
Anti-clotting compounds in apples inhibited platelet aggregation (clumping), which in turn prevented thickening of the blood.
Apple phenolic agents stopped cancer cell growth,development and proliferation (spread) by producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) - an antioxidant. Apples have the highest anti-proliferative activity compared to peaches and pears.
Selection, Storage, and Safety
Choose blemish-free firm fruits with rich color . Select fully ripened fruits for the most antioxidants. An Austrian study showed that fully ripened fruits contain higher levels of antioxidants than under-ripe ones. Non-flourescing Cholorophyll Catabolites (NCCs) are potent antioxidants that protect the plants (and their fruits) after harvest. They offer the same protection to humans.
Wash fruits under running water to remove dirt and pathogens including pesticide residue. Pesticide residue is commonly detected in apples, unless you purchase organically grown fruits which have less exposure to pesticides.
Remove the peel if the apple is waxed in petroleum based waxes. (Your grocer might have information). These waxes contain solvents and wood resins unlike other waxes e.g. Carnauba (from carnauba plant), beeswax, or shellac ( from the lac beetle).
Nutritional Profile
Apples are a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. They are a fair source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and manganese. They also contain detectable levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Flavourful, widely-available, and affordable, apples if selected, stored, and prepared properly can be a part of a healthy, wholesome diet.
References
Juniper BE, Watkins R, & Harris SA "The Origin of Apples" Intern. Soc. for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Acta Hort 484 1996
Boyer J & Liu RH "Apple Phytochemicals and their health benefits" Nutrition Journal 2004;3:5
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