Fruit of the week:Apple

The apple is a pomacious fruit of the apple tree and it belongs to the species malus domestica.Nearly 55 million tons of apples are grown worldwide with a value of about $10 billion with China and U.S as the leading producers.Apple species were believed to be first found and cultivated in eastern Turkey.They were later brought to the colonies of North America in the 17th century. India stands number 7 in the worldwide production of apples with many varieties of the fruit.The Kashmir apple is said to be a reputed variety.

A common saying is that 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'but this has proven to be very true indeed.It plays an important role as an antioxidant having anti-cancer properties.It also help in weight loss and controlling cholestrol being high in fibre content.It is a heart-friendly fruit. Flavonoids present in apples have slow sugar releasing property - reducing the risk of sudden rise in blood sugar. It is a lung-friendly fruit having anti-inflammatory properties - Thus extremely beneficial for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. (COPD)

The average person eats 65 apples per year.

Apples float because 25% of their volume is air.

One medium apple contains about 80 calories.

Quercetin - a phenolic compound is found only in the apple skin. The skin also contains more antioxidants and fiber than the flesh.

The more apples a person eats, the lower his or her risk of developing lung cancer.

The right way to eat fruit is to eat it whole with the skin. (After thorough washing to get rid of the pesticides) Prefer cloudy apple juice to clear fruit juice (if at all has to be consumed)

Recipe suggestion : Apple-walnut Raita - Better breakfast option.