‘Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits.’ This quote by Henry David Thoreau is such an apt description for this amazing fruit packed full of flavour and goodness.  Apples, available in a wide range of varieties, colours and flavours (ranging from sweet to tart) are considered one of the healthiest and most popular fruits on earth. Their health benefits make them especially popular (universally) as a source of nutrients for children of all age groups.  

We shall take a look at the reasons why this fruit should find its way to becoming an integral part of your child’s daily diet. However before taking a look at all the amazing goodness this fruit contains, let us first check out some fun facts which will definitely interest your child.

Fun Facts about Apples

1. Fuji, Honey crisp, McIntosh, Granny Smith…. these are the some of the well known varieties of apples. However did you know that there are actually more than 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide, making it the fruit with the largest available variety!
2. They are part of the rose family which includes other fruits like peaches, pears, apricots, strawberries, cherries etc. 
3. The Science of growing apples is known as Pomology.
4. The fear of apples is known as Malusdomesticaphobia (yes it is a tongue twister isn’t it!)
5. The proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”   is actually a modification of the 19th century proverb from Wales which read “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread”.
6. Apples are made up of 25% air which is the reason they float in water.
7. The photosynthetic energy from 50 leaves of the apple tree is required to produce one apple.
8. Apples have played an important role in the folklores and mythologies of many countries since ancient times. 

Interesting isn’t it! Well, these facts regarding apples are only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other facts including nutritional aspects of this amazing fruit that we remain unaware of. So let us go ahead and take a look at the numerous nutrients present in apples and their associated benefits in keeping your child fit and healthy.

Nutrients in Apples and their Associated Health Benefits for Your Child

Apples are a good source of nutrients like Vitamins B1, B2, C and E, Calcium, Fibre, Antioxidants to name just a few (their individual benefits are mentioned below). These nutrients help in the overall development of your child’s body and mind while protecting them from numerous ailments, however to retain all the goodness ensure you get your child to eat the apple with the skin on.

1. Vitamins B1 and B2 are necessary for maintaining healthy muscles and nerves and also to boost the production of red blood cells.
2. Vitamin C helps boost your child’s immune system and protects them from infections.
3. Vitamin E helps in maintaining healthy skin.
4. Calcium helps in developing a strong and healthy bone structure.
5. The high occurrence of fibre helps in keeping your child feeling full for a longer period while also aiding the digestion process.
6. Antioxidants help protect healthy cells and reduce the risk of asthma.  
7. The high water content of Apples (84-85%) makes it the apt fruit to keep your child hydrated. 
8. The fact that they are low in calories (52 calories/ 100 grams) makes apples the perfect healthy snack.

Apples are so versatile that they can be used to make a number of delicious food items like chutneys, sauces, pies, tarts, cakes etc. In this way you ensure your child gets their daily dose of nutrients even while enjoying their treats.