Eat an apple a day for health

Apples area popular choice of fruit.

There are many different varieties which provide a range of textures, taste, and aromas to meet the varied preferences of individuals.

Apples are versatile and can be eaten as is, sliced, with or without the skin, cooked in a variety of ways:

• baked whole, sliced or pureed in pies and desserts
• juiced and consumed as a beverage, alcoholic and non-alcoholic

Apples are onvenient fruit to pack as a snack or part of a packed lunch.

Apples, as well as being delicious, are nutritious.

A small (100g) apple can be counted as 1 of your 6-8 daily servings of fruits and vegetables and is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, glucose and fibre.

Eating apples has been associated with health benefits for centuries and in the 19^th century the proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” highlighted the health value of eating apples on a regular basis.

However, the actual health benefits associated with the regular consumption of apples have only been identified through relatively recent research.

Consuming apples as a regular part of your diet may help reduce your risk of several cancers.

Preliminary research with mice suggests that consuming apples or apple juice may increase skeletal muscle and brown fat, and decrease visceral fat associated with obesity, may reduce glucose intolerance and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.

In addition, regularly eating apples may reduce your risk of heart disease and reduce cognitive decline.

Apples have historical and cultural value for many people and are grown throughout the world.

To learn about the many aspects of this fascinating fruit link to the full article. You may be surprised by what you discover about the apples you eat.