You might eat apples every day, but do you know apples? Apples are not only delicious fruits but also rich in various nutrients and vitamins.
Today, we'll tell you 9 interesting and cool facts about apples to give you a whole new understanding of this common fruit.
1. Apples belong to the Rosaceae family
You might think apples have nothing to do with roses, but in fact, they belong to the same family of plants. Apples belong to the Rosaceae family, just like pears, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, and so on. The flowers of these fruits have five petals, and they all have a fleshy fruit called a pome. Apple flowers are also beautiful, usually pink or white, with a rich fragrance.
2. There are over 7,500 varieties of apples
You might only know a few common varieties like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious, but did you know there are over 7,500 varieties of apples? These apples come in different colors, shapes, sizes, textures, and aromas, some are sweet, some are sour, some are crisp, some are soft, some are large, some are small, you name it. You can choose different apple varieties to taste according to your preferences.
3. Apples can float on water
This is because apples contain 25% air in their volume, so their density is less than water, allowing them to float. This is also why apples are easily crushed because there are many gaps in their structure. You can try gently pressing an apple with your finger, and you will feel its softness.
4. Apples are one of the earliest fruits cultivated by humans
Archaeologists have found that humans began cultivating apples at least 6,500 years ago. Apples originated in Central Asia and were later spread to Europe and North Africa by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, and then brought to the Americas and Australia by European colonizers.
5. Apples can treat depression
You may have heard the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," but did you know apples can treat depression?
This is because apples contain a substance called malic acid, which can promote the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, thereby improving mood and mental state. So, when you're feeling down, why not eat an apple or drink a glass of apple juice, you might be surprised by the unexpected results.
6. Apple seeds contain trace toxins
Apple seeds contain a substance called amygdalin, which releases hydrogen cyanide when it comes into contact with water or stomach acid, a toxic gas. However, you don't need to worry too much because the cyanide in apple seeds is very small. You would need to eat at least 200 apple seeds to be at risk of poisoning.
7. Apples can maintain dental health
Apple skins and flesh contain a lot of fiber, which can clean teeth and gums, remove dental plaque and food residues, and prevent tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Apples also contain a lot of water, which can stimulate saliva secretion, neutralize acidic substances in the mouth, and maintain the oral acid-base balance. Apples also contain a substance called phenolic acid, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria, and prevent bad breath, and periodontal disease.
8. Apples can slow down aging
Apples contain a large number of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E, and β-carotene, which can remove free radicals in the body, prevent cell oxidative damage, and thus slow down the aging process. Apples also contain a substance called apple polyphenols, which can enhance the elasticity and luster of the skin, and reduce wrinkles and pigmentation.
9. Apples can prevent various diseases
As the proverb goes, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples contain a lot of nutrients, such as dietary fiber, pectin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which can lower blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, cholesterol, etc, thereby preventing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity (apples are low-calorie food, producing only 60 calories per 100 grams).
Apples also contain a substance called quercetin, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and thus prevent cancer.
