Introduction: The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is familiar to everyone. In daily life, the apple is more like a Cinderella—it doesn't have a stunning appearance or an expensive price tag. Everyone has eaten it, but few truly know it... And yet, this humble fruit has quietly become the most popular fruit in the world.
The全科医生 in Food
In the February 1866 issue of "Notes and Queries," the apple was described as: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." This revised proverb has been quoted for nearly 150 years. While the statement is an exaggeration, Cheng Yiyong, Chairman of the Chinese Nutrition Society, has also stated that the apple is a "comprehensive health fruit." It is rich in organic acids, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and polyphenolic and flavonoid nutrients. Furthermore, in a list of "The World's Healthiest Foods," the apple ranked first, becoming the veritable "King of Fruits," because it is "nutritionally dense," "naturally delicious," "easy to purchase," and "affordable for everyone."
Apple Pie
Barbara Kami, an organic food expert at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, says that the sources of "sour" and "sweet" in apples are also very beneficial. Although apples are highly acidic, they are not harmful; their acidity is composed of 90% malic acid and 10% citric acid. The fruit's sweetness comes from sucrose and fructose, both natural sugars that can be eaten by diabetics. In addition, a ripe apple contains 80% water and zero fat, making it perfect for people on a diet. One apple is equivalent to one-quarter of the daily recommended fruits and vegetables. Apples are high in potassium and low in sodium, which can partially counteract the high-salt diets of modern people. Besides, apples also have a toothbrush-like effect; chewing them can clean teeth and kill oral bacteria.
Apple Tart
The U.S. website "Discovery Health" also recently reported that in addition to the well-known nutrient Vitamin C, apples also contain three special "star ingredients" that offer numerous health benefits. Pectin: This soluble fiber can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar. It can also help lower the body's "bad" cholesterol levels and, like other fibers, help the digestive system stay healthy. Boron: This nutrient, abundant in apples, can strengthen bones and boost brain health. Quercetin: A flavonoid found in apples, this nutrient can reduce the risk of many cancers, including lung and breast cancer. It can also lessen the damage free radicals do to the body and delay the onset of various degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Apple Rose