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We have all heard of the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” How much of this is true? The Apple is a fruit of the colder regions and needs a temperate climate to achieve perfection. Most people are aware of the fruit, but did you know that even the bark of the tree is used as a herb? And who has not heard of the famous apple cider – the golden brown liquid that tastes like heaven? Whats in an Apple?  Studies show that in addition to water, Apple also contains starch, sugar, carbon, nitrogen and acids. It is rich in vitamins and is second only to lemons in fighting the dreaded scurvy. Abundant quantities of Magnesium and iron make this fruit a food in itself. The ubiquitous apple also contains more phosphate than any other fruit. Apples For Health Treatment Apple has long been used as a herb to treat a variety of problems. In infants, boiled apple is one of the first semi-solid foods to be introduced. This is because the acids in the Apple aid digestion and help the little tummy digest the apple and any other food. Since apple has enough alkalinity to correct sour fermentation, the acidity of the stomach is reduced when an apple is eaten. The malic and tartaric acids in the fruit fight acidity and are therefore effective against gout and indigestion. Another herbal advantage of the apple is that the process of biting the apple and masticating is one of the few exercises for the jaw and the muscles of the mouth, The apple also cleanses the teeth and removes any traces of food or bacteria stuck to the teeth. Everyone loves the sweet, fresh and slightly tangy taste of apples. Since the sugar it yields is almost instantly available to the blood, it is an instant source of energy for growing children and teens. Children and pregnant women often suffer from the worst cases of constipation. A sour apple eaten at bedtime will introduce enough fibers to fight this condition. How Can Apples be Used? Need you ask? Some of the ancient traditions even make use of rotten apples - to make a poultice for curing eye disorders. Apple’s pulp is also used to make skin ointment and cream. In some cases, the juice of the Crab apple is also helpful in controlling diarrhea. Traditional herbal remedies recommend making a poultice of cooked apples for relieving eye sore, sore throats and fevers. Growing Apples Apples are difficult to grow if you live in a warm place. If you are in the cooler zones, growing apples is possible though it is a difficult job. It needs a lot of commitment and time. You will need to grow two trees of different varieties (at the very least) because apple trees are self-incompatible. The easiest way is to begin from container grown trees. Planting should be done during winter or early spring. An apple is a healthy source of fiber, vitamins and minerals – whatever the age or health of a person. It makes an excellent food when you are dieting. Freshly blended apple juice is rich in sugar and is a vitalizing drink. All in all, an apple a day will keep the doc away!
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