Apple Everything: A History + Benefits

A History Of Apples

When you hear the saying, “As American as apple pie…” You’d think apples must have originated in the U.S. or at least the North American continent, right?

Nope. You’d be wrong.

Apples actually originated in Kazakhstan, in central Asia east of the Caspian Sea.  By 1500 BC apple seeds had been carried throughout Europe.  The Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans cultivated apples. You can thank those traveling ancient Romans for Johnny Appleseeding as they conquered lands carrying apple seeds and trees to the British Isles.   Many varieties of apples thrived in England. And from there, well… let’s just say it’s apple history. And now… apples are American. And so is apple pie.

So, Why Do Apples Keep The Doctor Away?

Old wives tales, anecdotal evidence and now, modern science has proven that apples are indeed good for you. Here are just a few of the benefits of eating just one organic apple a day. But why stop at one?

1. Improves Oral Health

Malic acid in apples keeps your teeth white. It is commonly used by companies to prepare commercial whitening toothpaste. Chewing apple stimulates saliva production that keeps risks of tooth decay at bay. So an apple after dinner or before bed is not a bad idea.

2. Maintains Cardiovascular Health

Apples are full of pectin, which is a soluble fiber known to reduce cholesterol in the blood vessel walls. This process also lowers the risk of atherosclerosis. The soluble fiber combines with the fats present in the intestine so that your cholesterol will not increase. Many studies have proved that people who consume apples regularly are less prone to stroke as compared to those who don’t. Apples also contains lots of potassium that is known to control high blood pressure preventing you from the risk of heart attack.

3. Improves Respiratory Health

You can improve your lung health by consuming apples in any form. Thanks to the components found in the fruit that are known to prevent you from several respiratory problems including, bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Add herbal apple tea to your list of hot beverages when you have a cold.

4. Fights Cancer Cells

Being enriched with anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative qualities and flavonoids, apples have the potential to lower the chance of pancreatic cancer. According to experts regular consumption of apples can also prevent your body from mammary tumors. The oligosaccharides found in apple are said to kill colon cancer cells.

5. Prevents Osteoporosis

Apples are full of phloridzin, which shields women against osteoporosis. Compound boron found in the apples also works to strengthen bones preventing women from having brittle bones.

6. Good For Your Gut

Apples are rich in dietary fiber, which is extremely beneficial for intestinal disorders including diverticulitis, stomach cancer, and hemorrhoids. This juicy sweet fruit also reduces bacteroides and clostridiales found in your large intestine.

7. Maintains Neurological Health

Apples are full of an antioxidant called Quercetin. For this reason apples can help lower the risk of cellular death, which is usually the result of the oxidation of neurons. Consuming apples is also said to reduce the chance of dementia. You will be surprised to learn that being packed with high levels of antioxidants and fiber, apples can protect you from Parkinson’s disease as well. According to experts, incorporating apples in your daily in the form of juice will increase the production of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), which results in enhanced memory power.

8. Boost Energy Levels

Eating an apple is one easy way to up your energy. That’s why some fitness experts suggest eating an apple before working out. Quercetin and antioxidants ensure your body gets a proper supply of oxygen through enhanced blood circulation.

9. Enhances Skin Conditions

You can get rid of old dead dermal cells by eating an apple every day. It is also known to rejuvenate skin cells, boosting collagen production, keeping your skin nice and hydrated. Drinking a glass of fresh apple juice keeps your skin free from all sorts of inflammations, irritations and similar skin problems. You had no idea you were improving your skin when you ate all of those apple cider doughnuts. Just kidding. Doughnuts are probably not the optimal way to get benefits from apples.

10. Prevents Premature Aging

High concentrations of Vitamin A in apples boosts collagen production preventing premature aging and wrinkles.

11. Controls Body Weight

The high amount of dietary fiber in apples helps you feel fuller longer, therefore decreasing your need to eat as much and as often.

12. Works As A Detoxifier

Maintaining liver health is essential to removing toxins from your body. Drinking organic, cold pressed apple juice is the best way to get this benefit.

Doesn’t this list of 12 health benefits make you want to go out and buy a bunch of apples? Yeah, we thought so. And when you do – we got your recipes for all things apple. Although, eating an apple in its natural state without embellishment also works.