apples for runners

What are they?

The fruit of the unoriginally named apple tree, apples have been cultivated for thousands of years. And with over 7,500 known varieties, there’s plenty of choice: from the crisp Cox to the plucky Pink Lady.

Over 63 million tonnes of apples are produced worldwide, with China accounting for 40% of that total.

What do I do with them?

Bite, bake, blend, boil, stew, slice, dice, fry or ferment; the humble apple is versatility itself. Scientists at the Institute of Food Research, however, have suggested that apples are best eaten with another superfood: green tea.

Natural antioxidants in both are thought to blend together and block the growth of a molecule called called endothelial growth factor, which can contribute to a hardening of the arteries and therefore an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Why are they good for my health?

There are several good reasons ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. Apples are, for instance, rich in plant-based nutrients that are thought to reduce the risk of many cancers.

Their high-fibre content – one medium-sized apple contains around four grams – is also thought to slow the effects of Alzheimers-related aging on the brain, and red apples, specifically, contain the immune-boosting antioxidant quercetin.