HEALTH AWARENESS - Apple February,, 2018

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old Welsh proverb that most of us are familiar with, but what makes this fruit so special? What health benefits are associated with eating apples? As one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits in the world, apples are continuously being praised as a "miracle food". In fact, Apples were ranked first in Medical News Today's featured article about the top 10 healthy foods. Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phyto nutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Health Benefits of Apples

1.             Apples Are Nutritious

2.             Apples May Be Good for Weight Loss

3.             Apples May Be Good for Your Heart

4.             They're Linked to a Lower Risk of Diabetes

5.             They May Have Prebiotic Effects and Promote Good Gut Bacteria

6.             Substances in Apples May Help Prevent Cancer

7.             Apples Contain Compounds That Can Help Fight Asthma

8.             Apples May Be Good for Bone Health

9.             Apples May Protect Against Stomach Injury From NSAIDs

10.         The Antioxidants in Apples May Help Protect Your Brain in Old Age

Selection and Storage

Fresh apples can be readily available in the stores all around the season. Choose fresh, bright, firm textured apples with a

Pleasant flavor. Avoid fruits with pressure marks over their surface as they indicate underlying mottled pulp. Fresh apples can be kept at room temperature for few days and stored in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks. Wash them in clean running cold water before use.

Safety profile

Good yield demands close attention and supervision of apple fruit crop. According to the environmental working group

reports, the apple fruit is one of the heavily pesticide-contaminated produces. The most common pesticides found in apples are organo-phosphorous and organ chloride pesticides like Permethrin and DDT. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the fruit thoroughly before use. If possible, use organically certified apples.                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                              Sindhu ma