Apples are one of the fruits that are easy to get and it turns out that apples are quite rich in nutrients that make them have many benefits for the body. It is believed that it can cure many diseases, so there is a proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away".
The taste is very sweet, but some apples are slightly sour even though they are ripe on the tree.
Nutritional Content
Apples are low in calories. In addition, apples also contain very rich antioxidants. The following are the nutritional content of apples:
- Flavonoids
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Ursolic acid
- Folic acid
Health Benefits
The benefits of apples based on their nutritional content are rich in nutrients, including:
- Mouth Cleaning
Chewing apples can clean your teeth from food residue that hides between your teeth. The pectin content of apples can control bad odors from food. This content will increase saliva volume to clean the mouth and eliminate bad breath after eating.
- Lowering Diabetes Risk
Apples have a sweet taste but have a very low glycemic index, which means they are good for diabetics. The content of phytonutrients in apples can regulate blood sugar levels to near normal.
This content can stimulate the pancreas to produce the body's natural insulin. The antioxidants in apples improve the health of the pancreas to keep it working properly.
- Fighting Free Radicals
Apples are very high in antioxidants. Everyday consumption of apples, can ward off free radicals that are exposed in the body.
It is better to eat apples with the skin because the most antioxidant content is in the apple skin.
- Preventing cancer
The red color in apples comes from anthocyanins which are anti-inflammatory and anticancer. Daily consumption of one or more apples can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 20%.
Apples are also able to reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 18% just by consuming them.
- Good for Intestines
Apples contain a lot of fiber, which is good for the digestive organs. Consumption of apples launches bowel movements. The pectin content in apples provides nutrients for the good bacteria that are in charge of decomposing food and remove it smoothly.
- Maintain brain health
The antioxidants in apples prevent damage to nerve cells in the brain. In addition, the consumption of apples can avoid the risk of stroke and Alzheimer's.
- Help lose weight
Apples are high in water and fiber and can fill you up. Eating apples before meals will keep the portion of the meal.
Apple Sponge Cake
After knowing the myriad benefits of eating apples, there's nothing wrong with making apple sponge cake as a healthy snack.
Mix 2 plastic cups of flour, salt to taste, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and powder, and cinnamon powder. Add this mixture to the ingredients that have been previously mixed, and stir with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Add coarsely grated 1 cup carrots and stir until blended.
Prepare a baking sheet, grease it with margarine and sprinkle it with flour so it doesn't stick. Pour the mixture into the pan and flatten, put in the oven using low heat, and cook until cooked.