Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away?

One of the most popular quotations of the 19th Century was "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Before the 20th century there was no food pyramid or someone to announce the importance of five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. So is this quotation really true? If so, what will a daily apple cure?

The apple was introduced to America by early settlers, who brought apple seeds with them. Records of the Massachusetts Bay Company indicate that apples were grown in New England as early as 1630. Seeds were carried westward by missionaries, traders, and Native Americans. One man alone, John Chapman Johnny Appleseed), was responsible for extensive plantings of apple trees in the mid-western United States.

There are about 7500 varieties of apples that are grown throughout the world, 2500 varieties of which are grown in the United States. Some examples are; Red Delicious, Jonathan, Cortland, Redcort, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Ida Red, Rome, Northern Spy, Empire, Paula Red, Stayman, Winesap, Gala, Jonagold, Fuji, Braeburn, Ginger Gold, Spartan, Honeycrisp, Jonamac, Crispin, and Mutsu. Apples are grown in all 50 states, however only grown commercially in 36 states. The top five apple producing states in the United States are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and California.

Each variety of apples has a different color, shape, texture, and taste. This is based on the amount of sugar and malic acid that is in each variety that determines the balance of the sweetness and tartness in the fruit. The more malic acid and the fewer sugars present, the stronger the flavor and the greater the likelihood of the flavor being retained when the apple is cooked.

About ten percent of an apple is made up of carbohydrate. Apples contain dietary fiber in their skins and core. About 4% of an apple is made up of vitamin C, potassium, and low in sodium. The rest of the apple, more than 80%, is made up of water. 25% of an apple's volume is air, which is why they float. Because of their high water content, apples are cooling and moistening and aid in reducing fever. Simply grate them and serve them to feverish patients. Steamed apples sweetened with honey are beneficial for a dry cough and may help to remove mucous from the lungs. Additionally, there are trace amounts of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Apples, as eaten in the fresh state, are a healthy refreshing, crunchy snack. They quench your thirst and their acid content makes them a natural mouth freshener.

Researchers suggest that apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Apples contain vitamin C as well as other antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer by preventing damage to the DNA. The fiber content helps to regulate bowel movements therefore reducing the risk of colon cancer. Apples also help with heart disease and weight loss as well as controlling cholesterol basically because apples do not have any cholesterol. The antioxidants found in a fresh apple can protect nerve cells from neurotoxicity and protect the brain from the types of damage that triggers neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism.

Eating apples can also help to remove trapped food and clean between the teeth, but the malic acid that is within the fruit, over time if apples are eaten at an excess, are capable of eroding tooth enamel. It is also suggested not to consume the seeds of the apple. Apple seeds contain a small amount of hydrogen cyanide, which makes them mildly poisonous; however a large amount would need to be consumed in order to have any type of poisonous effect.

The malic acid that is within the apple inhibits fermentation in the intestines, making the digestive process much easier. Apples also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Green apples act as a liver and gall bladder cleanser and may aid in softening gallstones.

A medium apple, approximately 5 ounces, has only 81 calories and a whopping 3.7 grams of fiber from pectin, a soluble fiber. A medium apple supplies 159 mg of potassium, 3.9 mcg of folic acid, 7.9 mg of vitamin C, and 9.6 mg of calcium.

I don't know about you, but after finding out what an apple a day can do, I am planning on investing a few bucks into a bag of apples.

I know that some people out there are not that thrilled with just munching on an apple, some people like more flavor or other types of apple flavored dishes, well, here are some healthy and tasty snack ideas that will help you get that one apple a day so you can keep the doctor away!

Frozen Applesauce and Fruit Cup

1 c MOTTS Chunky or Regular Apple Sauce
10 oz package frozen strawberries, thawed
11 oz Can mandarin orange segments, drained
1 c Grapes, if desired
2 tbsp Orange juice concentrate

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Spoon fruit mixture into individual dishes or paper cups. Freeze until firm. Remove from freezer about 30 minutes before serving. 7 (1/2 cup) servings.

Apple Chicken Salad

1/2 cup fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup apple jelly, melted
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. lemon juice
3 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups finely sliced celery
3 apples, unpeeled and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, orange juice, melted apple jelly and lemon juice. Add chicken.Celery and apples. Toss gently to coat all pieces. Season with salt and chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle with pecans and serve on a bed of romaine lettuce. Yield 8 3/4 cup servings.

Apple Pie

1 (9 inch) pie plate, buttered
5 or 6 apples, cut up
3/4 c. butter, melted
1 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. sugar
1 c. sugar
1 egg

Put apples in pie plate and sprinkle with cinnamon and 1 tablespoon sugar. In a bowl mix 1 cup sugar, flour and butter. Blend in unbeaten egg, pinch of salt and the nuts. Mix well and pour over apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Caramel Apple Pork Chops

4 boneless pork loin chops
2 tbsp. brown sugar
salt and pepper
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 apples
2 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. chopped pecans

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Brush the chops lightly with oil and cook for 5 or 6 minutes to a side until they are evenly browned. Remove and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Core the apples and slice into 1/2 inch wedges. Add butter to the skillet and stir in the apples and brown-sugar mixture. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until apples are tender. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of chops; keep warm. Continue cooking mixture in skillet, uncovered, until sauce thickens slightly. Spoon sauce over apples and chops and sprinkle with pecans.

Enjoy!