Apple Health Terms
Antioxidants: Chemicals that reduce or prevent oxidation, thus preventing cell and tissue damage from free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are chemical substances that donate an electron to the free radical and convert it to a harmless molecule. Fruits, vegetables and grains are rich sources of antioxidants.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are defensive phytochemicals found in apples, along with other fruits and vegetables. There are a number of different types of flavonoids with each having a protective health effect. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been documented to have antiviral, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant activities. The term flavonoids represents all of the following subclasses: Anthocyanins, Flavanols, Flavanones, Flavonols, Flavones, and Isoflavones.
Pectin: Pectin is a natural fiber found in many fruits with apples being the richest source of pectin among all the fruits. Recent studies have revealed many health benefits from consumption of pectin. Of note are studies that show Pectin:
- Acts as an antioxidant against the bad cholesterol in the blood stream.
- Decreases the chances of colon cancer.
- Works well as an anti-diarrhea agent.
- Reduces high blood pressure.
- Is effective in the regression, or prevention of, gallstones.There is also recent evidence to suggest that taking Apple Pectin everyday over time can lead to a reduction in insulin requirements which may lessen the severity of diabetes.
Phytochemicals: Research suggests that phytochemicals may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cataracts, osteoporosis, and urinary tract infections. "Phyto" is a Greek word that means plant and phytochemicals are usually related to plant pigments. So, fruits and vegetables that are bright colors - yellow, orange, red, green, blue, and purple - generally contain the most phytochemicals and the most nutrients.
Quercetin: May be a major reason why the old saying about eating "an apple a day" has been associated with good health. Quercetin, primarily found in apples, onions, and black tea, belongs to a group of plant pigment flavonoids that serve as a building block for other members of the flavonoid family. It combats the destructive "free radical" molecules that play a part in many diseases.
Specifically, quercetin may help to:
- Reduce cancer risk
- Prevent heart attacks
- Ward off eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration
- Control asthma
- Maintain health when suffering from Crohn's disease
- Prevent recurrent gout attacks
- Speed up healing of recurrent heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
To read more about this type of flavonoid, click here
Tannins: Tannins are substances that tan hides and make apples rust when exposed to the effects of the air. True tannins produce both tanning and puckering. The amount of tannin in an apple, especially in the skin, may differ not only from species to species, but also from tree to tree and even from year to year for the same tree. Research suggests tannins may help prevent periodontal or gum disease.