Common name: Apple
Botanica name: Malus domestica
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple
tree. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, and the most widely known of the many members of genus Malus that are used by humans.
Apples grow on small, deciduous trees. The tree originated in Central Asia.
Nutritionally, fruits are good source of salts,
minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber required to keep a person healthy.Besides, fruits have their own medicinal characteristics.
Fruits provide protection against diseases and sustain the physical growth. As per the belief, first food eaten by prehistoric man was a fruit. Every fruit has a story associated with it in the Indian mythology.
Apple may be preserved for a long period
making its 'murabba' that is considered to carry
numerous health benefits and liked by many
people as a delicacy. It is very easy to make
'apple kaa murabba' and process takes about an
hour to make the final product. However, experts recommends to repeat cooking once a day for three days. Recipe involves dipping apple for 15 minutes in salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt mixed in a glass of water) and placing it in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes till its skin becomes tender.
•• Medicinal properties of Apples:
1. Apple is believed to prevent scurvy disease
that is caused due to deficiency of vitamin C
2. Apple protects a person from digestive
disorders and other ailments of the alimentary
canal due to fair amount of fibre (indigestible
carbohydrates, roughages) present in it.
3. Apple contains a high pectin content and
considered useful part of the diet for gall
bladder problems.
4. Apple juice is considered beneficial for infant feeding, diarrhoea and peptic ulcer patients. Two apples per day should be consumed for proper evacuation of bowls. Baked apples are said to be useful in treating diarrhoea. Cooking process softens the cellulose.
5. Apple "Murabba" is believed to act as a
stimulant for the heart and useful in relieving
mental stress.
6. Raw apples may be taken by people suffering from constipation.
7. Two glasses (500 ml) of Apple juice taken half an hour before meals and retiring to bed help in getting rid of anaemia
8. Apple pulp (1-4 tablespoon) is believed to be
useful as therapeutic agent in dysentery among
children
9. Since apples are rich in potassium and
phosphorus but low in sodium, they are believed to help alleviate heart diseases.
10. Apples are known to lower the sodium levels in tissues as these are rich in potassium. Hence, apples are considered very useful for patients having high blood pressure.
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