- Apple (Malus domestica) is the name for both the tree and fruit. The word "apple" is thought to come from the Old English word æppel. Experts have suggested that the word "apple" may be one of the oldest Indo-European words in the English language. The scientific name, Malus, is derived from the Latin word for apple and from the archaic Greek mÄlon.
- Apple is one of the most widely cultivated fruits. It can be stored for months and still have nutritious value. Winter apples, which are picked in late autumn and stored at just above freezing, are considered an important food in Europe, Asia, Argentina, and the United States. Apples have always been consumed as a food, but their constituents and potential medicinal uses remain under investigation.
- Apples can be canned, juiced, pureed, baked, stewed, and fermented. They can be used to make juice, cider, applesauce, vinegar, pectin, and baked goods. Dried apples can be mixed with water, alcohol, or other liquids for later use. Apples can also be used to make alcoholic drinks such as applejack, Calvados, and wine.
- Apples are high-fiber, low-calorie fruits that contain vitamin C. They are also rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that may help prevent colon, prostate, and lung cancer. Studies have found that phenolics, a type of antioxidant found in apples, may protect nerve cells from damage and reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Apples are considered to be a safe part of the human diet. They are thought to be an effective treatment for diarrhea in children, high blood cholesterol, hair growth, burn wounds, allergies, mercury poisoning, and the side effects of radiation. Some studies suggest that apples may help slow cancer development, manage diabetes, and help patients prepare for surgery.
- Apple contains pectin, a type of fiber that may prevent high cholesterol, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and gallstones. Pectin may also reduce diarrhea, although more evidence is needed to confirm this. Apples also have a compound called quercetin, which is thought to prevent heart attacks, eye diseases, and arthritis. Quercetin may help control asthma, stomach disorders, and chronic heartburn. Other compounds found in apples called phenolic phytochemicals may protect the brain from damage that can lead to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, further research is necessary.
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Contents
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