Apple trees, whose delicious and beneficial fresh fruits we enjoy eating from early autumn to early spring, are from the Rosaceae family. The apple, which is the most consumed fruit in the world, has 25 species and about 6,000 varieties. Apples, whose homeland is Asia, including our country, are produced in many regions in Turkey with suitable climates.
Apple trees, which grow up to 7-8 m tall, have cylindrical, regular trunks that vary from dark gray to very pink, depending on the species. Their branches are divided into three groups: wood, fruit branches, and gluttonous branches. The leaves of the apple tree are broad and have serrated edges. The upper surface is dark green with prominent veins, and the lower surface is gray hairy.
The light pink flowers that bloom in spring resemble those of wild roses. These flowers ripen throughout the summer and produce the fruit of the apple starting in September. The fruit is spherical, cylindrical and flattened. The peel is thick or thin and in different colors depending on the species. The most distinctive feature that distinguishes the fruit species is the color of the peel. There are 5-10 soft seeds in the core of the apple. Its flesh is sweet, sour or tart, sweet and juicy and can be eaten fresh or made into jam, compote, marmalade, fruit juice, desserts, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
The nutritional values of 100 gr. fresh apple divided into slices are as follows: 58 calories; 0.2 gr. protein; 14.5 gr. carbohydrates: 0 cholesterol; 0.6 gr. fat; 1.8 gr. fiber: 10 mg. phosphorus; 7 mg. calcium; 0.3 mg. iron; 1 mg. sodium; 110 mg. potassium: 8 mg. magnesium; 90 IU vitamin A; 0.03 mg. vitamin B1; 0.02 mg. vitamin B2; 0.1 mg. vitamin B3; 0.3 mg. vitamin B6; 0.5 mcg. folic acid; 10 mg. vitamin C and 0.7 mg. vitamin E…
However, it is natural that the nutritional values of apples, which vary greatly depending on the species, are more or less different from those on this list. For example, the vitamin C content in green or yellow apples is higher than in red apples.
BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH
In addition to the important nutritional values listed above;
It reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood: Studies have shown that the substance called pectin found in apple fiber has this effect in people who eat 2-3 apples a day, but this effect is achieved not only by taking the substance called pectin artificially, but also by eating the apple as a whole.
The fibers and fruit acids contained in apples relieve mild constipation.
The antiviral properties of apple acids and the liquid gel-like substance called pectin are also good for diarrhea.
Apples reduce high blood pressure and keep blood sugar levels under control thanks to the substances they contain.
Studies have found that consuming apples reduces the risk of cancer in animals: the same effect is also being studied in humans.
Apple also has a feature that reduces excessive appetite to normal levels.
Apple is also good for rheumatism and gout.
Apple also increases the body's resistance to diseases.
In order to benefit from all these effects, it will be sufficient to eat 2-3 apples a day without peeling them, provided that they are washed very well, considering that there may be pesticide residues on them.
