ABSTRACT
The consumption of apples and other fruits is associated with a strong immune system, which is needed to combat common infections and chronic diseases in humans. Apples are known to contain over 500 compounds, including bioactive compounds responsible for many health benefits in humans. Bioactive compounds such as phytochemicals are synthesised in plants as part of their secondary metabolism in order to reduce reactive oxygen species produced during abiotic or biotic stresses. Therefore, the phytochemistry results of apple plant cultivars vary significantly when grown in different soil, light, or atmospheric conditions. They also vary with the age of fruit, season, and even altitudes at which the plantation is carried out. In spite of these variations, studies from different regions around the world have undoubtedly reported the efficacy of apples in boosting the immune system. This chapter discusses the recent findings in the chemical composition of the apple and the role of the apple as a nutraceutical and functional food.
