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Fruits Grown in Highland Regions of the Himalayas pp 17–34Cite as

Apples (Pyrus Malus)—Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits

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Abstract

Apple is economically and commercially most important temperate fruit. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is the highest producer of quality apples. The fruit is known for its immense health benefits due to its rich nutritional composition and phytochemistry. It is being continuously termed as “miracle fruit” because of the involvement of its several components in various biochemical reactions leading to optimal growth, development and overall wellness of humans. Apples are cholesterol free but rich in flavonols, anthocyanins, dihydrochalcones, quercetin, catechin, tannins and dietary fibre content especially pectin. Intake of apples reverse the oxidative damage caused to nerve cells and reduces incidence of diabetes. Various polyphenols and macronutrients from apples possess potent therapeutic effects such as cholesterol lowering effect, hypoglycaemic activity, chemopreventive effect, cardioprotective effect and many more. Apple, besides being a negative calorie food, helps in fighting depression, controlling obesity, averts constipation and improves dental health.

Family:

Rosaceae

Sub-family:

Maloideae (former Pomoideae)

Genus:

Malus

Species:

M. pumila

Local name:

Saeb

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Food Science and Technology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

    Syed Zameer Hussain, Bazila Naseer, Tahiya Qadri & Tashooq Ahmad Bhat

  2. Department of Moalijat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

    Tabasum Fatima

Authors
  1. Syed Zameer Hussain
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  2. Bazila Naseer
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  3. Tahiya Qadri
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  4. Tabasum Fatima
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  5. Tashooq Ahmad Bhat
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Hussain, S.Z., Naseer, B., Qadri, T., Fatima, T., Bhat, T.A. (2021). Apples (Pyrus Malus)—Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits. In: Fruits Grown in Highland Regions of the Himalayas. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75502-7_2

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