With their health-promoting ingredients and low calories, apples are one of Austria's favourite types of fruit and have become an integral part of traditional and international cuisine. It is not without reason that we learn from an early age that apples are healthy and good for the body. And yet they are still grossly underestimated! We have summarised the real benefits of the well-known "apple a day" for you below.
"An Apple a Day..."
A heart for apples
Not only is the apple considered a symbol of love in some cultures, its active ingredients are actually good for the heart. According to researchers at Oxford University, the risk of arteriosclerosis or strokes can be significantly reduced with an apple a day. The shocking result of the study: if people over 50 ate an apple a day, the number of deaths would be reduced by 8,500 a year. The secondary plant substances and fibre contained in apples are the decisive factor here, as they keep blood sugar levels constant and subsequently lower cholesterol levels, which is considered to be the main cause of strokes.
Regular apple consumption also protects against cancer. Fruits and plants develop secondary plant substances to protect themselves from environmental influences and enemies. When consumed, these are mainly passed on to humans through the protective skin, with the same effect: they intercept free radicals in the body, repair cell damage and inhibit inflammation.
The buyer's helper par excellence
If you are currently on a diet and trying to lose a few kilos before the approaching winter, you should not miss out on apples. Apples are particularly notable for their high pectin content, which is mainly found in the skin. This soluble fibre has a satiating effect on the body and, like cheese, is said to "close" the stomach. A study by the University of Pennsylvania shows that people who eat a piece of apple before a meal feel fuller more quickly than those who do not. On average, the participants who ate a piece of apple beforehand consumed 200 Kcal less than the others.
For athletes: an apple in your rucksack is the right decision. The potassium, which is excreted from the body with sweat, leads to reduced muscle irritability. If your strength wanes for this reason, an apple fills your stores in no time at all and also serves as a thirst quencher thanks to its high water content.
The jack of all trades in the kitchen
Around 3000 apple varieties grow in Austria - so there should be the right one for every taste, from sweet to sour to tart. The different harvest times and storage qualities of the individual varieties make it possible to utilise and enjoy apples in the kitchen all year round. When storing them, it is important to give them a cool place in the cellar away from other types of fruit, as these can easily spoil due to the ripening gas ethylene. If you want to part with the apple peel despite its many good ingredients, you can use it for fruity apple peel tea, for example. Due to their wide range of flavours, apples also harmonise well with savoury dishes such as roast meat, onions or celery.
Red-green energy bombs
In addition to its numerous benefits and slightly tart flavour, the apple scores highly with its pool of health-promoting ingredients. Vitamins A, B1, B2 and E are abundant and strengthen the immune system, especially in the cold season, autumn and winter. A large apple (approx. 200 g), preferably a local apple, covers a third of your daily vitamin C requirement. Your intestines will also thank you for every apple that reaches them: the vitamins, niacin and folic acid they contain are helpful for intestinal complaints and are important for intestinal functions.
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" hits the nail on the head in view of the health and flavour benefits. So if you want to spice up your diet with a local superfood and also promote local and seasonal production, you are well advised to reach for an apple every day.