Apple
Apple
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].
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
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.
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.
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.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Apple.
2. Eat them preferably in the breakfast to maintain weight.
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.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Apple.
2. Eat them preferably in the breakfast to get rid of constipation.
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].
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].
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].
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].
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].
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.
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.
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].
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].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Apple and Apple juice may be useful in managing gallstones[2][19][20].
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
Important
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].
FAQs about Apple precautions
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.
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.
Benefits of Apple
Modern Science View
Apple is rich in polyphenols. The topical application of Procyanidin B-2, a polyphenol extracted from Apple, may be useful for managing male-pattern baldness[19].
How effective is Apple?
Insufficient evidence
Hair loss
FAQs about Apple benefits
1. Anti-dandruff
Apple juice helps to control dandruff when applied on the scalp. This is because Apple juice acts as an exfoliating agent and clears away the dead skin due to its Ruksha (dry) nature. It also removes excess oil from the scalp.
Tips:
a. Take the juice of 1 Apple.
b. Add 1 cup of warm water.
c. Slowly pour the Apple juice mix onto your scalp and massage.
d. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat it 2-3 times a week.
2. Acne and Pimples
Apple gives good result in case of skin problems like acne or pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Apple pulp on the affected area helps to reduce acne or pimples because of its Kapha-Pitta balancing properties. It also reduces inflammation due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Apple pulp or as per your requirement.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoon of honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Wait for 20-30 minutes.
e. Wash it with normal water.
f. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne and pimples.
Apple juice helps to control dandruff when applied on the scalp. This is because Apple juice acts as an exfoliating agent and clears away the dead skin due to its Ruksha (dry) nature. It also removes excess oil from the scalp.
Tips:
a. Take the juice of 1 Apple.
b. Add 1 cup of warm water.
c. Slowly pour the Apple juice mix onto your scalp and massage.
d. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat it 2-3 times a week.
2. Acne and Pimples
Apple gives good result in case of skin problems like acne or pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Apple pulp on the affected area helps to reduce acne or pimples because of its Kapha-Pitta balancing properties. It also reduces inflammation due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Apple pulp or as per your requirement.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoon of honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Wait for 20-30 minutes.
e. Wash it with normal water.
f. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne and pimples.
Precautions when using Apple
Allergy
Modern Science View
Use Apple fruit paste or juice on the skin with milk or curd. This is because it can cause dryness when applied on hypersensitive skin.
Recommended Dosage of Apple
- Apple Juice - 2-5 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Apple
1. Apple Peel powder
a. Take a fresh Apple.
b. Remove the peel.
c. Sun dry the peels until its moisture content is completely removed.
d. Grind the dried peels to form powder.
e. Take 1-2 teaspoon of this powder.
f. Add 1 teaspoon honey to it.
g. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
h. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
i. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
j. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for healthy and glowing skin..
2 Apple Juice
a. Take 2-5 teaspoons of Apple juice.
b. Mix it with an equal amount of glycerin and honey.
c. Apply a thin coat to your face and neck.
d. Let it get absorbed into the skin for 20 minutes.
e. Then rinse it off with cold water.
f. This will help get rid of dark spots on the skin.
3. Apple Peel
a. Take 8-10 teaspoons of Apple peels in a saucepan.
b. Add ½ cup of water to it.
c. Bring it to boil on a low flame and simmer gently.
d. Strain off the water and add honey to it.
e. Let it cool down and then wash your eyes with this water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of sore eyes.
4. Apple Pulp
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Apple pulp.
b. Put it on the toothbrush.
c. Brush your teeth regularly with it to reduce dental problems.
a. Take a fresh Apple.
b. Remove the peel.
c. Sun dry the peels until its moisture content is completely removed.
d. Grind the dried peels to form powder.
e. Take 1-2 teaspoon of this powder.
f. Add 1 teaspoon honey to it.
g. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
h. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
i. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
j. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for healthy and glowing skin..
2 Apple Juice
a. Take 2-5 teaspoons of Apple juice.
b. Mix it with an equal amount of glycerin and honey.
c. Apply a thin coat to your face and neck.
d. Let it get absorbed into the skin for 20 minutes.
e. Then rinse it off with cold water.
f. This will help get rid of dark spots on the skin.
3. Apple Peel
a. Take 8-10 teaspoons of Apple peels in a saucepan.
b. Add ½ cup of water to it.
c. Bring it to boil on a low flame and simmer gently.
d. Strain off the water and add honey to it.
e. Let it cool down and then wash your eyes with this water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of sore eyes.
4. Apple Pulp
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Apple pulp.
b. Put it on the toothbrush.
c. Brush your teeth regularly with it to reduce dental problems.
Frequently asked questions
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].
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.
Modern Science View
The Apple seeds, contain cyanide which is poisonous. Eating Apple seeds can cause cyanide poisoning and later death. The cyanide gets released in the stomach so it may take several hours for the symptoms to appear[2].
Ayurvedic View
Apple seeds should be avoided as the seeds have Kashya (astringent) and Tikta (bitter) properties. It can cause Vata aggravation which can lead to health disorders related to aggravated Vata.
Modern Science View
It is best to eat an Apple in the morning. If you eat Apples at night or in the evening, this fruit may become harmful for your intestinal health.
Ayurvedic View
Eating Apple is not good at night. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It can upset your digestion and make your stool loose in the morning.
Modern Science View
No, Apples are very healthy but sometimes they are sprayed with some poisonous chemicals and wax to increase their shelf life. Thus it is recommended to wash them thoroughly before consuming[1].
Modern Science View
Yes, Apple helps prevent asthma due to the presence of natural antioxidants in it. The natural antioxidants present in Apple fight against the free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in the body is responsible for inducing certain allergies which might further cause asthma. It also inhibits the activity of inflammatory mediators that induce asthma[26].
Ayurvedic View
Asthma is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. Apple helps to manage this condition due to its Kapha balancing property. Apple can also sometimes aggravate Vata dosha, so it should be taken in small amount in the condition of Asthma.
Modern Science View
Yes, Apple helps prevent asthma due to the presence of natural antioxidants in it. The natural antioxidants present in Apple fight against the free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in the body is responsible for inducing certain allergies which might further cause asthma. It also inhibits the activity of inflammatory mediators that induce asthma[26].
Ayurvedic View
Asthma is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. Apple helps to manage this condition due to its Kapha balancing property. Apple can also sometimes aggravate Vata dosha, so it should be taken in small amount in the condition of Asthma.
Modern Science View
Apple is considered to be extremely beneficial during pregnancy due to the presence of various nutrients. These nutrients improve bone health, manage diabetes and weight in pregnant women. It also has positive effects on the brain, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health. Intake of Apple might also reduce the risk of pulmonary complications in the fetus[26][27].
Modern Science View
Yes, Apple is good for bone health due to the presence of certain nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. These nutrients reduce the excretion of calcium that might increase bone density. Thus, it prevents fracturing of bones and other associated problems such as osteoporosis[26].
Modern Science View
Apple extract is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. It increases the moisture content in skin thereby reducing roughness and wrinkles. Flavonoids also protect the skin against UV-induced skin damage[20].
Modern Science View
Apple is rich in polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory activity. Applying Apple juice extract on the skin may be useful in managing sebum production and control acne.It may also reduce pain and redness around acne[21].
References
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- 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.
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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.
- Sagar S.Role of natural toothbrushes in containing oral microbial flora-a review.Asian J Pharm Clin Res.2015;8(4):29-33.
- 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.
- Gaby AR.Nutritional approaches to prevention and treatment of gallstones.Alternative Medicine Review.2009;14(3):258-267.
- Feller CR, Cleveland MM, Clague JA.Vitamin C content of baldwin apples and apple products.J Agric Res.1933;46:1039-1045.
- Bracewell, Mary F, et al.The anti-scurvy vitamin in apples.Medical Research Council, special report series.1930;146:45.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hyson DA. A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health. Adv Nutr. 2011;2(5):408–420.
- 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.