"An apple a day keeps the doctor away". You have certainly heard this famous adage many times. Know that it is quite the image of reality since this crunchy and deliciously sweet fruit has a myriad of unsuspected virtues for health.
The apple is the favorite fruit of the French. The proof:one fruit out of five purchased is an apple. Every year, households consume an average of 18 kg. Moreover, faced with this growing demand, France is obliged to produce at least two million tonnes per year. It is the golden variety which is the most popular and which represents 40% of the varieties of apples produced in France. Then there are the varieties Gala, Granny Smith and Braeburn. In addition to its delicious sweet flavors and crunchy texture in the mouth, this fruit also owes its success to its innumerable nutritional qualities. As it is low in calories, it can be consumed at any time of the day when you feel a little craving. For 100 g of fruit, there are only 52 kCal according to nutritionists.
Behind this pretty red, yellow or green skin is a concentrate of benefits. This fruit contains a myriad of vitamins and similar such as carotenoids, provitamin A, vitamin A, quercetin, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, vitamins B6, C, E, K or zeaxanthin. In addition, the apple contains several minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus or calcium. It is a source of amino acids and fibers contained in pectin.
One of the first benefits attributed to the apple is its ability to reduce high cholesterol. The pectin in the fruit plays a crucial role in lowering blood cholesterol. When combined with other soluble fibers, it eliminates bad cholesterol and lowers cholesterol levels. This action allows it to protect people against cardiovascular diseases, in particular by reducing lipids in the blood. Need we remind you that the apple is also an antioxidant par excellence? This substance is very important in the fight against heart problems.
It would also seem that the daily consumption of this round fruit would have favorable impacts on respiratory function and on the resolution of asthma. As it contains flavonoids and polyphenols, it helps improve the antioxidant capacity of the body and reduces inflammatory concerns for people with asthma.
Very important element to know:it is strongly recommended to consume the whole apple, without removing the peel, only on condition that the apple is from organic farming. Most of the nutritional active ingredients that compose it are more concentrated in the skin. This is particularly the case for antioxidants which are 2 to 6 times higher than in the flesh. But the pesticides that the apple received during its growth are also concentrated in the skin and arboriculture is very very consuming of pesticides!
For those who do not appreciate the peel, the apple can also be consumed in the form of fresh juice. In any case, it is always better to eat it raw than cooked.
