Apple tends to be one of the most cultivated tree fruits today and happens to have more than 7,500 cultivars with diverse characteristics. Its scientific classification consists of division - Magnoliophyta, class – Magnoliopsida, order- Rosales, family – Rosaceae, tribe – Maleae and genus - Malus. It is known under the bionomial name, Malus domestica. This fruit finds its largest production is United States followed by Iran , Turkey and Russia . Apple trees grow upto 12 meters and are deciducous in nature. Their leaves are alternately arranged in a simple form and are 5to 12 cm long. They mature in autumn with the fruit consisting of five carpels arranged in a five-pointed star. Every carpel consists of one to three seeds. The wild ancestors of these species are Malus Sieversii. Apples are ideally self-incompatible fruits and thus need to cross-pollinate for the fruit to develop. The growers of this fruit mainly develop pollination groups according to the climate of the place they are cultivated in.

Nutritional Analysis:

Apples are known to contain high concentrations of phytonutrients which function as antioxidants. This immensely helps in purifying the blood as well as the blood vessels, keeping the heart functions healthy. The maximum content of antioxidants lie in the skin. Other nutrients that find place in apples include catechin, phloridzin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Dietary fiber is another eminent ingredient that makes apples. This is made up of both insoluble fiber which is cellulose as well as soluble fiber called pectin. Both these fibers help control the LDL cholesterol levels. Besides, flavonoids form another important element of apples. They help in the protection of antioxidants and take care of unwanted inflammation in the body.

Health Benefits:

Lung Support – Apples are known to reduce asthma to a great extent. The phloridin contained in the apples are also known to be highly supportive in maintaining the overall functioning of the lungs.
Apples are a unique combination of fiber, antioxidants and flavonoids unlike other fruits and hence are extremely beneficial to the human body.
Cancer: Apples are likewise known to be very beneficial in fighting lung cancer. Clinical studies have found them to combat cancers of the colon and breasts as well.

References

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