Why Is an Apple Important?

Apples are among the most healthy fruits you can eat on a daily basis.

Apples have traditionally been considered a health food, with the adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away "coming to mind. Although apples contain about 80 to 85 percent water, they have many other constituents with high nutritional value as well as important medicinal properties. Apples contain vitamins, minerals fiber, natural sugars and acids.

Vitamins

Apples contain vitamin A, is an important vitamin for the eyes, the urinary tract and for the reproductive organs. It is believed to increase fertility and ovulation in women. Vitamin B1, thiamine, is also present as well as niacin or vitamin B3. Niacin helps to lower cholesterol and it also help to open up blood vessels and promote healthy blood circulation. There is also vitamin E, which is godd for skin elasticity and Vitamin C, which is an important vitamin for the immune system in general.

Minerals

Apples contain an abundance of minerals including phosphorus, important for the formation of teeth, and potassium which lowers blood pressure and is good for the heart. Apples contain about 150 mg of potassium per medium-sized apple. Magnesium is another mineral that required in the diet for a healthy heart; it also keeps the bones strong because it aids in the absorption of calcium and potassium. Pregnant women or those going through menopause require additional magnesium for calcium absorption to prevent osteoporosis. Iron is also present in apples and used in liver function and in the production of red blood cells.

Fiber

Apples contain more fiber than most cereals, amounting to about 5 grams per apple including both soluble and insoluble fiber. The fiber in apples is from cellulose and contains pectin and lignin. The pectin helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Medicinal Value

Apart from the many vitamins and minerals in apples, there is also important medicinal value in the malic and tartaric acids present. Both of these acids are a benefit to those with sedentary lifestyles, neutralizing the acids from gout and indigestion. These acids also aid with the digestion of other foods and are the reason why applesauce is a good companion for pork and goose. Apples are useful medicinally for coughs, headaches, constipation, anemia and dental problems and can be used to treat inflammation of the eyes.

References

• Botanical: A Modern Herbal: Apple
• Herbal Allergy: Lovett-Brown: Chemical Constituents of Apples
• Health Mango: Benefits of Apple