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The carbohydrates in apple are fructose and glucose, which are monosaccharides and sucrose, which is a disaccharide. The other non starch polysaccharide or fiber, which are seen are cellulose and pectic substances. Pectin is the kind of carbohydrate present in apples. It is seen on the walls of the cell. It is the methylated ester of poly galacturonic acid and is present in beet pulp, apple and citrus peel. The chain length and complexity of the monosaccharide units varies from one food to the other. About fourteen grams of carbohydrates and ten grams of sugar are present in 100 grams of apple. The glucose content is 1.5 g/100 gm of apples. The fructose and sucrose content of apples are 6 gm and 3 gm per 100 grams of the fruit respectively.
Pectin is a soluble fiber present in apples, which helps in the treatment of intestinal disturbances, such as diarrhoea. It triggers the growth of bacteria in the colon. Other fruits that contain pectin are currant, peach and apple. Vegetables such as beetroot, potatoes and carrots are also good sources of pectin. Pectin is present as proto pectin in unripe fruits and pectic acid in over ripe fruits. Pectin also helps in reduction of cholesterol levels. The risk of diabetes decreases with pectin. It cleanses the intestine, thereby helps in the maintenance of balance. It also increases the acidity of the large intestine. Pectin decreases the risk of gall stones. Pectin also exhibits antioxidant effect, thereby prevents, degenerative disorders, such as cataract, hyper cholesterolemia, colon cancer and so on. It stimulates the immune system and proves beneficial for those with ulcerative colitis.
The cholesterol levels decrease, due to the increase in faecal fat and faecal cholesterol. It is also used in the treatment of constipation and heartburn. Other benefits of apple are the presence of phyto chemicals, such as catechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and phloridzin. These are antioxidants, which function as free radical scavengers. Carbohydrates in apple also decrease the risk of bronchial asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
It decreases fat oxidation and inhibits multiplication of cancer cells. It also absorbs the cholesterol rich bile acids and thus lowers the cholesterol levels. Pectin becomes gel like, due to the absorption of fat and fluids from the digestive tract. This contributes to bulk in the intestine, thereby provides relief from constipation. It also reduces the calorie absorption and thus helps in loss of weight.
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