AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTORS AWAY

I. Introduction

Do you like fruits such as apples? If that's the case, we recommend you to watch our prepared
video to learn why eating apples is so vital for your health. What is its origin, and can they exist in the
Philippines? Now, Let’s learn with us and answer that questions.

II. Apple for your Health

Most of us, only buy apples in supermarkets when we want to eat them and the color we
get is usually red or green. But, have you ever wondered where they come from and how many
kinds of apples they have? Most people have no idea that there are over 7500 different types of
apples in the world, and approximately 2500 of them are come from the United States. But did you
know that apples with black skin exist? The "Black Diamond Apple" is safe to eat even with its
unique color which is not the same as the normal color which is red, and when it comes to crisp, the
apple called "Honeycrisp" will not give up. It’s a sweet and crunchy apple when you bite into it. It
has red skin on the outside and pale skin on the inside.

Now, let’s move on to how long you have to wait for the apple tree to bear fruit and how
tall the apple tree is. Apple trees have three ways of growing. First, is called the "Standard Apple
Tree". This tree can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet smaller compared to the mango tree which
reaches approximately 30 to 40 feet. And it bears fruit after 4 to 8 years. It has a lifespan of
approximately 35 to 45 years. But, proper caring and protect is important. You can prolong the life
of your apple tree if you take good care of it and use the right fertilizer. Second, It is called the
“Semi-dwarf Apple Tree” It can grow to a height of 12 to 15 feet smaller compared to the guava tree
which is 20 to 26 feet tall. And bear fruit within 4 to 5 years after planting, Their average lifespan is
only 20 to 25 years. The good here is that they are easier to cut and maintain than standard trees
and take up less space, and live longer than many dwarf trees. In most cases, at least two trees are
required to ensure significant fruit production. The third is called the “Dwarf Apple Tree”. According
to research at Michigan State University, the dwarf apple tree grows approximately 7 to 10 feet tall.
They bear fruit after 2 to 3 years after planting, It has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Dwarf fruit trees
provide beauty to the environment because of their looks and usually have fragrant flowers in the
yard. Many dwarf fruit cultivars are self-fertile, which means they do not require cross-pollination
from other trees to bear fruit. Dwarf apple trees offer many benefits compared to many apple trees.
They can grow in small areas like your yard. And it’s easier to cut, spray, and harvest without having
to use a ladder. So often people choose to plant them.

Now, let's go to the Philippines. Did you know that someone planted an apple tree here in
the Philippines? Before that, we knew that the Philippines was in the central part of the world or
part of Ecuator means we were directly exposed to the sun so were among the tropical countries.
According to the University of Minnesota, the apple tree usually grows in areas with cold climates or
temperatures below 28°. But, in the Philippines, Benzone Sepe, a three -year student of Agriculture
in Digos City, Davao del Sur. In 2014, after he ate an apple, he suddenly thought that if he planted
the apple seed he ate, it would grow. He planted 3 seeds in their yard, But two of the three he
planted died. So, to be successful, he researched how to take care of it properly, and finally, in the
year 2018, he noticed the beautiful flowers, and within a few months he saw the red fruit that was
big as of the fist. According to him, he was able to fertilize it in a tropical country like the Philippines
by taking proper care of it.

1. Apple trees need to have at least 7-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. The tropical
climate, like the Philippines, has a temperature match. Because the branches of the apple tree
that are exposed to sunlight remain fruitful and produce more fruit than those that are less
exposed to sunlight.
2. You will also need to fertilize your apple plant while it is young and not yet fully grown
so that it will maintain a healthy flow of nutrition until it is fully grown and fruitful. And, even if it
is ripening, you still need to fertilize the fruit to keep it free of larvae and insects. However, since
fertilizer is also bad, it must be applied carefully so that the apples remain nutritious.
3. It is also necessary to cut the branches or Pruning, it improves air circulation to
reduce the incidence of problems with pests and diseases. It removes dead and dying branches.
Keeping trees at a manageable height allows for easier access when it's time to pick. An open
canopy encourages bigger and healthier fruit.

Now, we will talk about health. Will eating apples be good for you? Did you know that
apples have huge health benefits compared to other fruits? According to a Harvard Gazette study, if
you are diabetic or have high blood sugar levels, the “Granny Smith Apple” is the best choice for you
because it is lower in sugar. Apples are a nutritional fruit with a long list of health benefits. They are
high in fiber and antioxidants, Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from free radicals,
which can cause heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. When your body breaks down food or if
it is exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation, free radicals are formed. Additionally, eating apples
lowers your risk of developing chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, lung and cancer.
You don’t have to worry about the sugar in the apples. Although they have carbs that affect your
blood sugar, these carbs are different from other fiber-eliminating sugars that are good for you.
Apples can help you lose weight while also nourishing your intestines, brain and even your bones.
Most of us still use commercial skin care products. Besides being expensive, it contains chemicals
that can damage the skin after a long time. But, did you know that just by eating apples you can
achieve smooth skin? Because apples are rich in antioxidants that protect the cells and tissues in our
body. Nutritionists have also discovered that apples are high in elastin and collagen, two proteins
that help keep skin young. It also has hair benefits. Both red and green apples help strengthen your
hair roots without having to spend just to buy hair thickening sprays. Apples also prevent dandruff
and hair loss by balancing the pH level of your scalp. Nutritionists suggest that simply applying apple
slices to your face can offer you a quick boost of hydration, according to studies. "Apples are high in
vitamin E, which helps keep the skin moist and soft. So you don't have to spend just for skin care
products that contain chemicals. Apples are delicious to eat, it's Organic, fresh, definitely no
chemicals and cheaper than factory- made skin care.
 III. Conclusion/Closing

Now Hopefully you increase your knowledge about this fruit. You realize where apples really
come from and how many varieties they have. And how long do they bear fruit and live. Perhaps some
of us want to plant an apple tree in our country. Now if you desire it I hope you have increased your
knowledge in caring for it so that you can grow and fertilize it properly. And most of all, we also know
that it has so many benefits to our health, whether internal or external. Even by eating it, we can
prevent serious diseases such as cancer and others. Thank you very much for your reading. Now that
you know a lot about this fruit, hopefully we continue eating nutritious foods especially apples.
 IV. Reference

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-apples

https://myculturedpalate.com/health-benefits-of-apples/

https://blog.uvahealth.com/2018/10/15/an-apple-a-day-4-impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/

https://www.betterbones.com/bone-nutrition/apples-and-bone-health/

https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-for-face

https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a28165635/baldness-fruits/

https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/02/how-many-types-of-apples-are-there-and-which-is-best

https://www.britannica.com/plant/apple-fruit-and-tree

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeycrisp

https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/choosefruits.html#:~:text=While%20standard%20apple%20trees
%20grow,or%207%20to%2010%20feet.

https://homegardenveg.com/apple-tree-lifespan/

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/will-apples-survive-freeze

https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/30/apples-grow-on-an-agriculture-students-farm-in-davao-del-sur/

https://www.savatree.com/apple-tree.html

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/much-sunlight-needed-grow-apple-trees-57134.html

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-tree-watering.htm