When most people think of apples, they picture the classic, shiny and juicy fruits that we all know and love. However, there is one variety of apple that seems to be often forgotten: the crab apple. These small, tart apples may not be as popular as their bigger cousins, but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. In fact, crab apples have been found to be a potent anti-inflammatory fruit that can promote bone health and support the immune system.

Nutritional Value of Crab Apples

Crab apples are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. According to the US Nutritional Database, 100g of crab apples contains only 47 calories and is packed with the following nutrients:

• Fiber – 4g
• Vitamin C – 7mg (9% of the daily value)
• Vitamin K – 4.6µg (6% of the daily value)
• Calcium – 8mg
• Iron – 0.4mg
• Magnesium – 6mg
• Potassium – 113mg (4% of the daily value)

While the nutritional value of crab apples is certainly impressive, it is their anti-inflammatory properties that make them stand out.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Crab Apples

Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Crab apples contain high levels of inflammation-fighting compounds such as quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid. These powerful phytochemicals protect your body’s cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Research has shown that consuming foods high in quercetin can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. One study has found that quercetin may help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. This is where crab apples come in. The high levels of quercetin in crab apples make them a valuable addition to an anti-inflammatory diet.

Crab Apples and Bone Health

In addition to their anti-inflammatory benefits, crab apples are also great for bone health. They are a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and 99% of it is stored in our bones and teeth.

However, calcium needs to be consumed in conjunction with other nutrients like vitamin D and vitamin K to be effectively absorbed by the body. Luckily, crab apples are also a great source of vitamin K. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone metabolism by helping to transport calcium from the bloodstream and bind it to the bone.

Food Combining with Crab Apples

While crab apples can be enjoyed raw, they can also be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. They pair well with other fruits such as pears and plums, and can also be used to make jams, chutneys, and sauces.

When it comes to food combining, crab apples should be paired with other foods that are also high in anti-inflammatory compounds. For example, adding slices of crab apple to a spinach or kale salad can create a nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory meal.

Anti-Inflammatory Crab Apple Smoothie Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate crab apples into your diet? Try out this delicious anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chopped crab apples
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Enjoy immediately!

Conclusion

In conclusion, crab apples are a highly nutritious and anti-inflammatory fruit that is often overlooked. They are an excellent source of quercetin, a potent inflammation-fighting compound that can benefit those with chronic inflammation. Additionally, their high vitamin K content makes them beneficial for bone health. Incorporating crab apples into your diet is a great way to boost immune function and promote overall health.

If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section [here insert link], or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.

Thank you for reading! We hope you learned something new about the health benefits of crab apples. Please come back again soon.