THE APPLE AND ITS VALUE

Apple

The apple, though not native to Nigeria is one of the popular fruits especially among the urban dwellers.  It is a fleshy fruit, with tough skin, ranging in colour from greenish yellow to red.  The apple is considered “protective” and most wholesome food.  Apart from its energy value, it plays an important role in the normal development of metabolic functions in the body.  No wonder the popular saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away’.

The apple is believed to be native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia though it is being cultivated in many other parts of the globe today.  The Holy Bible refers to the apple severally in glowing terms.  King Solomon captures the apple romantically thus: Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my dearest compared to other men. I love to sit in its shadow, and its fruit is sweet to my taste (Songs of Solomon 2:3 GNB).  The Scandinavians call it the “Food of Gods” and believed it possessed medicinal properties to regenerate both mind and body.  The expression “apple of my eyes” captures the importance of apple amongst all fruits.  It is not surprising therefore, that some people could not do without “apples”.

Food Value

The apple is highly nutritious and contains abundant minerals and vitamins.  Values per 100gms of edible portion are as detailed below:

Food	Value (%)	Minerals/Vitamins	Value
Moisture	84.6	Calcium	10mg
Protein	0.2	Phosphorous	14mg
Fat	0.5	Iron	1mg
Mineral	0.3	Vitamin A	40IU
Fibre	1.0	Contains small amounts of Vitamin E, H, B Complex
Carbohydrates	13.4	Caloric Value	59

Source: Dr. S. J. Singh, FOODS THAT HEAL – Natural Way to Good Health

The skin of the apple should not be discarded when taking it in raw form as the skin and the flesh just below it contains more vitamin C than the inner flesh.  The vitamin content decreases gradually towards the centre of the fruit.  The skin also contains five times more vitamin A than the flesh.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties

Apples are invaluable in the maintenance of good health and treatment of many ailments.  The active medicinal ingredient of apple is pectin, a natural therapeutic ingredient found in the inner portion of the rind - the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating) and the pulp.  Pectin aids in detoxification by supplying the substances.  It also helps to prevent decomposition of protein matter in the alimentary canal.  The malic acid (also found in wine) contained in the apple is beneficial to the bowels, liver and brain.  Some of the ailments that can be managed by apple are:

Anaemia

Apples, being rich in iron, arsenic and phosphorous are highly beneficial in the treatment of anaemia.  It will be particularly useful in the form of freshly prepared apple juice.  It may be taken in quantities of 1kg daily with beneficial results.  The best time to take the juice is half an hour before meals and just before retiring to bed.

Constipation and Diarrhoea

Raw apples are good for constipation.  Taking at least two apples a day helps in proper evacuation of bowels.  Cooked or baked apples are good for diarrhoea.

Dysentery

Apples have been found to be useful in acute and chronic dysentery among children.  Ripe and sweet apples should be crushed into pulp and given to the child several times a day, from one to four tablespoonfuls, according to age in this disorder.  The American Medical Association has also advocated the use of apples as therapeutic agent in dysentery.

Stomach Disorder

A natural “apple medicine” for the disturbed stomach is prepared by slicing whole apple and gently pounding it until it becomes slightly mashed.  It may be sprinkled with cinnamon or honey.  The entire mashed apple may be eaten except for the stem and seeds.  It should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.  This preparation should be taken several times between meals for best results.

According to Carlson Wade in his book Health Secrets from the Orients, shredded apple, mixed with a tablespoonful of honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, constitute an excellent stomach tonic and an appetizer.  It should be taken before meals.  It stimulates sluggish digestive juices and facilitates assimilation of food for good health.

Headache

Apples are very useful in the treatment of all types of headaches.  A ripe apple, after removing the upper rind and the inner hard portion should be taken with a little salt every morning on empty stomach in cases of headache.  It should be continued for about a week.

Heart Disease

Apples are reach in potassium and phosphorous but low in sodium.  From ancient times, apple with honey is considered a very effective remedy for functional disorders of heart.  Recent studies by Dr. Elizabeth Barret-Cannor of California University have revealed that people who consume plenty of potassium through food items are likely to escape heart attacks.  Apples, as good source of potassium, help in the alleviation of heart disease.

High Blood Pressure

The apple diet has a rapid and considerable diuretic effect causing increased secretion of urine and thus bringing down blood pressure to normal.  It also relieves the kidney by reducing the supply of sodium chloride to a minimum.  In addition, it lowers the sodium level in the tissues because of the high level of potassium in apples.

Rheumatic Conditions

Apples are regarded as excellent food medicine for gout, arthritis and rheumatism especially when these diseases are caused by uric acid poisoning.  The malic acid contain in them is believed to neutralize the uric acid and afford relief to the sufferers.  Apples, boiled to a jelly, make a very good liniment for rheumatic pains.  They should be rubbed freely on the affected area.

Dry Cough

Sweet apples are valuable in dry cough.  About 250grams of sweet apple should be taken daily for a week or thereabout to obtain relief.

Eye Disorder

Both as a beverage as well as an eye wash, the apple peel water is an excellent medicine.  According to Eric F. W. Powell, in his book, Health from the Kitchen, this beverage is prepared by putting the peelings in a pan, well covered with water.  The water should be brought to a boiling point and allowed to simmer gently for a few minutes.  The water should then be strained off and some honey be added to it.

The overripe apples are useful as a poultice (a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.) for sore eyes.  The pulp is applied over the closed eyes and is held in position with a bandage.  It is allowed to remain there for one or two hours.

Kidney stones

The ripe fresh fruit of apple is valuable in managing kidney stones.

Dental Disorders

Regular consumption of apples can prevent tooth decay as they possess mouth cleansing property.  In his book, Dental Survey, Dr. T. T. Hanks says “Apples have mouth cleansing property that no other fruit possesses, and taken after meals, they have the same effect as toothbrush in cleansing the teeth, with added advantage that the acid content, aside from its nutritive value, is of assistance in promoting the flow of saliva in the mouth, which is also beneficial to the teeth”.  The acid of the apple also exerts an antiseptic influence upon the germs present in the mouth and teeth when it is thoroughly chewed.

Promotes Vigour and Vitality

The apple is considered the best fruit to tone up a weak and run-down condition of the human system.  It removes all deficiencies of vital organ and makes the body stout and strong.  Regular consumption of apples with milk promotes health and youthfulness and helps build healthy and bright skin.  It has a calming and relaxing effect and is especially beneficial to sedentary workers

Boost Immune System

Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.

Curb Cancer

Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Precautions

Apples should not be taken on an empty stomach as it may lead to indigestion.  Apples are often sprayed with poisonous chemicals to prevent them from decay, hence should be washed and cleaned thoroughly before consumption.