Origin: Apple is tagged as a symbol of temptation, sin, and knowledge. The reason being, in the Garden of Eden, Apple the forbidden fruit was eaten by Adam and Eve.
Historically, Apple originated in Dzungarian Alps. In Kazakhstan and China, it gained much popularity like wild fruit. The fruit of knowledge made its way into Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. During 1500 B.C. a stone tablet found in Mesopotamia narrates the story of an Apple Orchard in exchange for a herd of sheep. Then, it came to Virginia and southwest. John Chapman planted trees throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois and became John Appleseed.
As per Greek mythology, Apple is considered as a symbol of beauty and love. Ancient Greece considered Apple sacred to the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure – Aphrodite.
In Greek tradition, throwing an apple at someone spelled falling in love with that person. And if one would catch the Apple, it meant acceptance of the love.
Scientifically: Cornell University’s Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D. analyzed apple peels and found a dozen compounds that can inhibit or kill cancer cells in laboratory studies. Several compounds inhibited human liver, colon, and breast cancer cells. In 2013, the British Medical Journal mentioned that eating Apple thrice a week lowers diabetic threat.
In 2011, a study conducted by researchers at Florida State University, involving 160 women discovered that eating Apple daily improves cholesterol levels. Research conducted at the University of Denmark in 2010 stated that Apple consumption has a positive, measured effect on improving the number of friendly gut bacteria.
As per research in 2006 it was highlighted that Apple reduces problems associated with memory loss. In 2009, research spoke off how eating an apple 15 minutes prior to meal time helps to keep calories at bay.
Apple contains antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals and prevent breast cancer. Anemia is also a complicated disease that can be cured by the intake of ion and Apple is rich in iron. Thus it acts as a great home remedy for curing Anemia. Many researchers claim that Apple is more filling as it is less dense in energy and delivers a good amount of fiber to the body.
Apple is extremely skin friendly. It is armed with rich vitamins such as A, B, and C. It is an excellent exfoliator that is packed with brilliant antioxidant properties. This antioxidant compound is titled phenols. Phenols provide protection against UV ensuring our skin is guarded against sun damage. It also prevents cell and tissue damage.
In addition, this humble symbol of temptation is pregnant with the abundance of elastin and collagen. This helps in ensuring the skin looks young. Apple cider vinegar works as a wonderful astringent for acne-prone skin. It addresses the issues of antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has alpha – hydroxyl acids that remove dead skin. It removes excess oil, balances pH levels and normalizes sebum production.
Apple is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that can control the level of cholesterol, maintain blood pressure and lower the risk of heart stroke. Polyphenol in Apple can contribute to balancing the blood sugar level. Anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants can regulate immunity that lowers the risks of asthma and also promotes bone health.
Not only this, Apple is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and copper that are skin-friendly nutrients.
A study in test tubes and rats found that freeze-dried Apple extract helped in the protection of stomach cells from injury due to NSAIDs. According to an animal study, apple juice may help preserve neurotransmitters and lower the risk of Alzheimer.
In Ayurveda, Apple is considered good for balancing Kapha. On the other hand, sour Apples increase Vata and Pitta. Apple has the highest concentration of pectin. The soluble fiber pectin blinds with eradicates excess fats and thus regulates cholesterol and blood sugar level. Apple juices aids in burning sensations for Pitta conditions such as Gastritis, Colitis and Bladder infections.
Usage: Apples are often eaten raw. It is an important ingredient in various desserts such as Apple pie, Apple crumbles, Apple cake, and apple crisp. Apple juice, Apple butter or Applesauce are also used in various dishes to make it delicious and healthy.
Many women around the globe use various DIY masks to get young and radiating skin.
Below are some DIYs with apple for beautiful skin and hair:
- Grate an Apple, extract its juice and mix it with honey. Apply over the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water.
- Take a tablespoon of grated apple, add a teaspoon of curd and a teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Mix all the ingredients together. Apply this mask on the face and let it dry for 10 minutes. Rinse later. This mask helps in skin brightening.
- Take 2 teaspoons of grated apple, add 1 teaspoon of fresh pomegranate juice and mix them together. Apply this mixture to the face and let it dry for 10 minutes. Rinse later. This mask helps in providing instant glow to the skin
- Mix two tablespoons of crushed oats along with pureed apples and add a tablespoon of honey. Apply the paste on face and body and massage. Let it dry for 20 minutes, and wash it with warm water. The oatmeal in this mixture exfoliates your skin while the apple and honey make your skin soft and supple.
- Grate an apple and extract all the juice and apply this mixture to the scalp and the length of the hair. this is a great natural remedy for the strengthening of the hair.
Well, now you know, why an apple a day, keeps the doctor away.