The origin of the apple tree is believed to be Europe and Asia, and today there are now more than 7000 varieties available worldwide. The apple features prominently in history and culture, with the biblical story of the temptation of Adam and Eve perhaps being the most popular. Another classic tale in which the innocent apple plays an important part is Sleeping Beauty. In Norse mythology, apples are symbolic of eternal youth, and they feature in Swiss folklore on top of the head William Tell’s son. And then there is the factual legend of Johnny Appleseed, an American pioneer, who walked around barefoot planting apple seeds over an area of 100,000 square miles.

In an in vitro study at the Boston University School of Medicine, it was concluded that the flavonoid quercetin, which is present in apples, has anti-inflammatory activity. Flavanoids found in fruit and vegetables are known for their antioxidant activity, antioxidants neutralize free radicals which cause cell damage.

Quercitin was also found to display unique anticancer properties with the ability to inhibit the growth of certain malignant cells. Results from other studies indicate that apple peels may be partially responsible for the anticancer activities of whole apples. In other research conducted at Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, it was found that the annurca variety of apple from southern Italy was rich in polyphenols associated with anticancer properties. Incidences of intestinal cancers are lower in southern Italy than anywhere else in the western world.

The quercetin found in apples is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, and apple consumption has consistently been associated with reduced heart disease.

In a study on moderately obese male and female subjects, polyphenols extracted from apples significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. Apples are also high in pectin, a soluble fiber with the ability to lower cholesterol levels, and it has been demonstrated that an apple a day lowered cholesterol levels by up to 16 percent.

The high fiber content of apples is also of great benefit to the bowels. A 5-ounce apple can supply the body with more than 3 grams of fiber, 10 percent of the daily-recommended intake. The fiber in apples will be beneficial for losing weight, and the fructose will help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Apple polyphenols have demonstrated the ability to regulate fat metabolism.