Apple is a sweet and crunchy fruit that varies from green to red in color. It is rightly said that an Apple a day keeps the doctor away as it is helpful in managing and preventing a number of health problems.
Apple is rich in pectin fiber and helps improve metabolism. It promotes a feeling of fullness which ultimately helps manage weight. The daily intake of an Apple might also reduce the risk of diabetes. It also boosts the immune system as well as brain health due to the presence of antioxidants.
According to Ayurveda, Apple has Rechana (laxative) nature and when taken in the morning it aids in proper digestion.
Applying a paste of Apple pulp and honey helps reduce acne and pimples due to its anti-inflammatory property[1][2][7][13].

What are the synonyms of Apple?

Malus pumila, Seb, Sev

What is the source of Apple?

Plant Based

Benefits of Apple

What are the benefits of Apple for Scurvy?

Modern Science View

Apple may be useful in managing Scurvy which occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin C. Apple is said to have antiscorbutic activity due to the presence of vitamin C in it[2][21][22].

What are the benefits of Apple for Fever?

Modern Science View

Apple may be useful in managing fever due to the presence of triterpenoids. Friedelin, a triterpenoid, has antipyretic activity. Some other triterpenoids have antiinflammatory activity as well[2][6][8].

What are the benefits of Apple for Teething problem?

Modern Science View

Apple contains malic acid and tannins. Malic acid stimulates the gums and acts as a natural teeth cleanser. Tannins inhibit the growth of microbes causing periodontal and gum diseases[2][18].

What are the benefits of Apple for Heart disease?

Modern Science View

Apple is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. These help in the reduction of cholesterol and formation of blood clots. Thus, Apple may be useful in managing heart problems[2][15][16].

What are the benefits of Apple for Diabetes?

Modern Science View

Apples may be useful in managing diabetes due to high level of soluble fibre pectin. It helps in regulating the blood sugar level[2][7].

Ayurvedic View

Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Apple corrects the impaired digestion and reduces Ama. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.
Tips:
1. Take 1 fresh Apple.
2. Eat them preferably in the breakfast or 1-2 hours after meals to maintain normal blood sugar level.

What are the benefits of Apple for Obesity?

Modern Science View

Apple is rich in soluble pectin and phytochemicals. Soluble pectin causes a feeling of fullness. Also, pectin and phytochemicals together increase lipid metabolism and reduce cholesterol levels. Thus, Apple may be useful in weight loss management[2][13].

Ayurvedic View

An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu. Taking Apple in breakfast helps to manage weight as it improves Agni (digestive fire) and removes excessive Ama from the body. It also works as a laxative when it is taken in the morning due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Apple.
2. Eat them preferably in the breakfast to maintain weight.

What are the benefits of Apple for Constipation?

Modern Science View

Apple is rich in antioxidants. They help in increasing intestinal motility. Thus, Apple may be useful in the management of constipation[2][17].

Ayurvedic View

Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Apple helps to control constipation when taken in the morning because of its Rechana (laxative) properties. It also helps to control diarrhea by regulating the function of intestinal tract due to Kashaya (astringent) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Apple.
2. Eat them preferably in the breakfast to get rid of constipation.

What are the benefits of Apple for Lung cancer?

Modern Science View

Apple contains a compound known as phloretin (a phenol) that has antioxidant activity. It also inhibits proliferation and induces lung cancer cell death. Thus, Apple can be useful in managing lung cancer[2][9][10].

What are the benefits of Apple for Hay fever?

Modern Science View

Apple may be useful in managing hay fever (allergic rhinitis) due to the presence of polyphenols. They inhibit the release of histamine and suppress inflammation. This reduces nasal discharge and sneezing attacks[2][11].

Ayurvedic View

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever causes excess nasal secretion and it can be seasonal as well as perennial. Ayurveda defines allergic rhinitis as Vata-Kaphaj Pratishaya. It is the result of impaired digestion and imbalance of Vata and Kapha. Eating Apple helps fight the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This is due to its Kapha balancing nature but it can aggravate Vata so it is advisable to take in small amount.
Tips:
1. Take an Apple.
2. Eat them preferably in the breakfast or 1-2 hours after meals to get rid symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

What are the benefits of Apple for Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries)?

Modern Science View

Apple can be useful in managing metabolic syndrome due to the presence of antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids aid in reducing blood pressure and blood glucose level. They also reduce the level of cholesterol and stop plaque formation. This may reduce the risk of clogged arteries or atherosclerosis. Antioxidants in Apple reduce arterial pressure. The management of these conditions can thus reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome[2][14].

What are the benefits of Apple for Alzheimer's disease?

Modern Science View

Apple is rich in antioxidants and also provides neuroprotection. It suppresses the increase of beta amyloid which leads to the development of Alzheimer's disease. It also inhibits age-related neurodegeneration[2][12].

What are the benefits of Apple for Gallbladder stones?

Modern Science View

Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Apple and Apple juice may be useful in managing gallstones[2][19][20].

What are the benefits of Apple for Cancer?

Modern Science View

Apple is rich in antioxidants, phenolic acids and flavonoids. They inhibit the progression of cancer cells by interfering with the cancer cell formation pathways[2][4-6].

How effective is Apple?

Insufficient evidence

Alzheimer's disease, Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Cancer, Constipation, Diabetes, Fever, Gallbladder stones, Hay fever, Heart disease, Lung cancer, Obesity, Scurvy, Teething problem

Precautions when using Apple

Advice from Experts

Modern Science View

Avoid Apples if you have indigestion because the skin of the Apple is hard to digest and can worsen your problem[1].

Patients with diabetes

Modern Science View

Apple juice may increase the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to check your blood sugar regularly while taking Apple juice if you have diabetes[2].

Recommended Dosage of Apple

Apple Juice - 1-2 cup once or twice a day or as per your requirement.
Apple Powder - 1-2 teaspoons twice a day.
Apple Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.

How to use Apple

1. Apple Raw Fruit
a. Take 1 Apple.
b. Eat them preferably in the breakfast or 1-2 hours after meals.

2. Apple Juice
a. Take 1-2 cups of Apple juice.
b. Take it preferably in the breakfast or 1-2 hours after meals.

3. Apple Powder
a. Take 1 cup of milk in a saucepan.
b. Bring it to boil on a medium flame.
c. Switch off the gas stove.
d. Now add 1-2 teaspoon of Apple powder to the boiled milk.
e. Take it in the morning and evening as per your requirement.

4.Green Apple Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Green Apple Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water after taking meals.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are the chemical constituents of Apple?

Modern Science View

Apple is a rich source of protein, fats, minerals, fibre and carbohydrates. It also contains calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, C and B[1].

Q. How many Apples can I eat a day?

Modern Science View

Although Apple is a “superfood”, it contains an average of 95 calories. So it is generally advised to check your calorie intake while eating Apples if you are on dieting.

References

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Bakhru HK.Herbs That Heal.Orient Paperbacks.1990.
2
WebMD.Apple: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
3
Petersen OV.Calcium nutrition of Apple trees: A review.Scientia Horticulturae.1980;1(12):1-9.
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Gerhauser C.Cancer chemopreventive potential of apples, apple juice, and apple components.Planta Medica.2008;74(13):1608-1624.
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Ribeiro FA, Gomes de Moura CF, Aguiar O Jr et al.The chemopreventive activity of apple against carcinogenesis: antioxidant activity and cell cycle control.Eur J Cancer Prev.2014;23(5):477-480.
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He X, Rui HL.Triterpenoids isolated from apple peels have potent antiproliferative activity and may be partially responsible for apple’s anticancer activity.J Agric Food Chem.2007;55:4366-4370.
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Coman-Babasanu AC, Butnaru E, Mardare-Balusescu G et al.GC-MS analysis of Malus domestica bark and leaf extracts in pesticide non-exposed matrices.Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat.2018;122(1):198-206.
9
Tu SH, Chen LC, Ho YS.An apple a day to prevent cancer formation: Reducing cancer risk with flavonoids.Journal of Food and Drug Analysis.2017;25:119-124.
10
Ma L, Wang R, Nan Y et al.Phloretin exhibits an anticancer effect and enhances the anticancer ability of cisplatin on non-small cell lung cancer cell lines by regulating expression of apoptotic pathways and matrix metalloproteinases.Int J Oncol.2016;48(2):843-853.
11
Enomoto T, Nagasako-Akazome Y, Kanda T et al.Clinical effects of apple polyphenols on persistent allergic rhinitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel arm study.J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol.2006;16(5):283-289.
12
Chan A, Shea TB.Supplementation with apple juice attenuates presenilin-1 overexpression during dietary and genetically-induced oxidative stress.J Alzheimer’s Dis.2006;10(4):353-358.
13
Cho K-D, Han C-K, Lee B-H.Loss of body weight and fat and improved lipid profiles in obese rats fed apple pomace or apple juice concentrate.J Med Food.2013;16(9):823-830.
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Gonzalez J, Donoso W, Sandoval N et al.Apple Peel Supplemented Diet Reduces Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome and Atherogenic Progression in ApoE-/- Mice.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015;2015:918384.
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Serra AT, Rocha J, Sepodes B et al.Evaluation of cardiovascular protective effect of different apple varieties - Correlation of response with composition.Food Chem.2012;135(4):2378-2386.
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Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A et al.Flavonoid intake and coronary mortality in Finland: a cohort study.BMJ.1996;312:478-481.
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Oka VO, Una VU, Inyang EG et al.Methanolic extract of Malus domestica mitigates formalin – Induced derangements in small intestinal motility and transit.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences;5(3):45-50.
18
Sagar S.Role of natural toothbrushes in containing oral microbial flora-a review.Asian J Pharm Clin Res.2015;8(4):29-33.
19
Kotvitska AA, Chernykh VP, Zagayko AL et al, ed.Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Malus domestica williams pride variety.Topical issues of new drugs development.International Scientific And Practical Conference Of Young Scientists And Student;2018.
20
Gaby AR.Nutritional approaches to prevention and treatment of gallstones.Alternative Medicine Review.2009;14(3):258-267.
21
Feller CR, Cleveland MM, Clague JA.Vitamin C content of baldwin apples and apple products.J Agric Res.1933;46:1039-1045.
22
Bracewell, Mary F, et al.The anti-scurvy vitamin in apples.Medical Research Council, special report series.1930;146:45.
23
Kamimura A, Takahashi T, Watanabe Y.Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from Apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent.Phytomedicine.2000;7(6):529-536.
24
Jadoon S, Karim S, Asad MHH Bin et al.Anti-aging potential of phytoextract loaded-pharmaceutical creams for human skin cell longevity.Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.2015;2015:1-7.
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Shoaib Khan HM, Rasool NAF, Madni A et al.Investigation of a new sebum control cream containing Apple juice extract.Asian J Chem.2011;23(2):810-812.
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Willers SM, Devereux G, Craig LC, et al. Maternal food consumption during pregnancy and asthma, respiratory and atopic symptoms in 5-year-old children. Thorax. 2007;62(9):773–779.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.