“When an apple is cut vertically into exact halves, it represents . . . “

This week’s email in the A-Z of Everyday Foods series is about the humble APPLE. Apples can be dated back to the Stone Age in Europe where evidence shows that apples were eaten and preserved by slicing and sun drying.  Archaeologists have also found carbonised remains of apples in prehistoric lake dwellings in Switzerland, dating back to the Iron Age.

Both Greek and Roman Mythology refer to apples as symbols of love, beauty, knowledge and immortality in the many myths and stories that have been recorded throughout time.

Hence the modern day adage, “An apple a day keeps the Doctor away.”

Apples are one of the foods that are beneficial for the entire body and it has been reported by Ancients that many foods resemble parts of the body when cut open.  If you stand with your arms stretched out and feet apart, your body resembles a five-pointed star.  If you cut an apple horizontally the inside resembles a five-pointed star, therefore representing the human body.

Also many ancient cultures viewed the apple as a feminine symbol and found the resemblance when an apple is cut vertically into exact halves, represent the female genital system.

There seems to be truth in the saying mentioned above “An Apple a Day keeps the Doctor Away”, as they are a rich source of dietary fibre, which helps with the slow release of sugar into the body, helping to maintain a steady blood sugar level; they are high in flavonoids; and antioxidants, especially with the skin on (don’t forget organic apples are best – if you don’t have access to organic, please wash them thoroughly).

Their vitamin and mineral content is very impressive too – Apples have high levels of calcium, the Vitamin A content is 50% higher than in oranges and other citrus fruits and contain Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex.

Apples have been used for their healing properties and doctors were known to prescribe them to treat diarrhea in patients of all ages, including babies and infants.  The peasants of Westphalia (a region in Germany) cured cases of jaundice by mixing apple with saffron.

Apart from the above the apple is thought to assist our body’s functioning in so many other ways, including the following:

• Aids digestion
• Reduces blood cholesterol
• Improves bowel function and assists in preventing constipation
• Protects your heart and may reduce the risk of stroke
• Protects and cushions your joints
• May assist in slowing the aging process
• Improves lung health and capacity
• May help with reducing the risk of prostate cancer
• May assist in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes

Apples are grown throughout the world and there are known to be 7,000 different varieties.

We have a few varieties to choose from in our markets and stores and with their fantastic healing benefits, choose an apple a day as part of your healthy lifestyle!

Yours in health,