Apples! Truly the Fruit of Knowledge, Health, and possibly Spirituality

Apples!

Clearly apples have to be one of nature's best inventions.  A fantastic fruit with a million uses and health benefits in such abundance that we are only just now beginning to uncover the surface of them.  While the apple may be considered an American Icon, its origins are more Easterly and shrouded in mystery.  In Michael Pollan's book "Botany of Desire" (a title that hints at a Botanists Pornography) delves into the depths of the apple's history, from its humble roots of Malus sieversii in a far distant mountain forest in Kazakhstan to that of Malus domestica or the domesticated apple that can be found in apple orchards just about everywhere.  Popularized in America through the story of Johnny Appleseed, a story that Pollan closely delves into the depths and truth of, threatened by Prohibition and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and unified with brand name varieties such as Red Delicious and Macintosh through cloning.  While the history of the apple is long and wonderfully unraveled in Pollan's book it has clearly been a part of human history for a very long time.


Health Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of pectin.  What's pectin?  Well pectin is kind of like natures own gelatin which assists the body in removing toxins.  Anyone who has made jams or jellies will have witnessed this firsthand as a lot of fruits have pectin in them, but apples contain some of the highest concentrations.  A great source of potassium and phosphorus which aid in digestion control and kidney health along with a natural sugar that threw the process of chewing stimulates the body to produce a very specific acid that stimulates saliva and digestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While there are many hear-say folk remedies around apple cider vinegar, there are at least 2 scientifically proven uses that can help with personal health.  Apple Cider Vinegar when used as a daily supplement can help with the control of diabetes and obesity.  According to WebMD, a "2007 study of 11 people with Type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4-6%." Vinegar in general when combined with a slice of bread has been shown to help people feel fuller longer.  There are of course a ton of folk remedies that have been unproven scientifically but have a long standing in the holistic practice of care; from sinus infections to gout.  For a relatively satisfying treat if you can overcome the tartness that will give you an easy to do daily supplement:

20 oz of fresh water

2oz unsweetened cranberry juice

1tsp lemon

1tsp apple cider vinegar

As for brands I highly recommend Braggs brand.  They are a trusted organic supplier and produce a wonderful "living" apple cider vinegar.  Living in the sense that it has not been heavily processed and by the natural cloudiness of the liquid is full of pectin, vitamins, and minerals.



ØWARNING× Apples are one of the most chemically treated fruits around.  Conventional growers can spray up to 11 different chemicals on their apple trees and then seal all that poison in wax to keep the apple looking shiny and red.  Heavily processed apple juices are no better.  Those same chemically treated apples are left to rot and the ones that are odd or misshapen never even make it to the stores.  Know too that apple juice producers are allowed up to a certain percentage of wormy apples to be processed. Beyond the pasteurization, heating, cooking, and other additives such as water and excess sugar; be wary about any apple juice that has a clear amber color.  Any juice that is clear in color is nothing but sugary fruit flavored water with no naturally occurring vitamins or minerals.

If you purchase no other organic produce, please for your health and the health of your family select only proven organic apples.

In no way is this information implying any sort of treatment for the medical conditions listed and is to be used for educational/entertainment purposes only.  Please contact your healthcare provider before adding supplements to your diet.

For more on apples without all the history check out Pollan's New York Times article: http://michaelpollan.com/articles-archive/breaking-ground-the-call-of-the-wild-apple/

References:
Collins, Danica (2011). Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits-home-remedy-for-allergies#axzz26UzhcZrj

Pollan, Michael (2001). The Botany of Desire. Random House

WebMD (2012). Apple Cider Vinegar. http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar?page=2