APPLE: BENEFITS AND HARMS FOR HEALTH 

Good afternoon The Forbidden fruit. Symbol of vitality and health. The personification of spring and youth. All this is about a juicy, aromatic apple with iridescent sides. In his honor, festivals and holidays are held in many countries of the world, monuments are erected and sayings are made. The British, for example, have a proverb: “An apple a day and a doctor on the side.” They also say: “One apple is for beauty, and another for health.” It is not for nothing that it deserves such respect and honor. Its healing powers have been known since time immemorial.

Apples: beneficial properties and contraindications

The benefits and harms caused by a particular product depend on the composition and nutritional value, as well as the amount of food consumed and the method of preparation. This statement is also true for apple fruits.

Chemical composition of apples

“Rejuvenating apples” consist almost of water (more than 80%). The rest comes from carbohydrates (about 13%), organic acids (about 9%), proteins and fats (about 1%). The value of apples is determined by their content of vitamins B, A, C, E, PP, organic acids (malic, citric, etc.), pectin, fiber, as well as more than 25 compounds, including potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, cobalt , copper, etc.

It should be noted that these fruits contain relatively a lot of potassium among mineral substances, and iron among microelements. But, unfortunately, iron from plant products, as scientists currently believe, is practically not absorbed by the body.

The main value lies in the content of acids (malic, citric, etc.) and sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose). The pectin contained in these fruits is not digestible, but has the ability to adsorb toxic substances and remove them from the human body. The tannins they contain, which have cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic effects, are also of no small importance for human health.

However, it is still worth noting that in terms of one hundred grams of fresh product, the content of nutrients is not high, so they do not have a significant effect on the body. So, to meet the daily requirement for vitamin C, you need to consume 600-800 g of apples (or 4-5 pieces) per day. In addition, it should be remembered that long-term storage of fruits and their heat treatment largely contribute to the destruction of some useful elements.

The benefits of apples for the human body

The positive effect of this “forbidden fruit” is due to and explained by the chemical composition discussed above. It is only worth noting that this effect is complex and affects almost all systems of the human body:

1. Digestive system. The normalization of its work is associated with the presence of organic acids and pectin in the fruit, which not only help improve the digestion process, but are also able to cope with diarrhea and constipation. It is recommended to use these fruits for stomach disorders, as well as for toxicosis in pregnant women. Moreover, apple is the first fruit complementary food for babies and has a beneficial effect on their digestive tract.
2. The cardiovascular system. With regular consumption of fruits, due to the high pectin content, cholesterol levels are reduced, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, and blood circulation is improved. You can also note the ability to maintain blood sugar levels at a constant level.
3. The immune system. Thanks to the content of vitamin C, malic, citric, tartaric acids, as well as a whole complex of vitamins and minerals, the human body is able to withstand various negative environmental influences: from viruses and bacteria to heavy metals and other harmful substances.
4. Urinary system. Here it is worth noting the ability to remove various toxic substances described above, as well as a mild diuretic effect, mainly due to the increased potassium content.
5. Nervous system. Thanks to the content of B vitamins, fatigue and tension are relieved. It is also useful to consume in the form of tea drinks with fruits.

Among other things, it is worth noting that apples are effectively used as a component of many diets; they have a beneficial effect not only on the internal functioning of the body, but also on the appearance due to the high concentration of vitamin E and antioxidants. Thanks to their high copper content, apples slow down the premature appearance of gray hair.

Apples contraindications

Like any product, apples have a number of contraindications:

• • the presence of an allergic reaction (applies to yellow and red varieties of apples, since green fruits do not contain a natural dye that can cause allergies); • increased acidity of the stomach, gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcers and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract due to the content of large amounts of acids in fruits, which stimulate the production of gastric juice and irritate the gastric mucosa; • problems in the urinary system (presence of stones).

However, this does not mean that you should give up eating apples completely. So, if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you can eat fruits after the main meal, and if you have kidney stones, it is better to prepare applesauce.

Sergei Agapkin in his book “The Secret Power of Foods” claims that at present, despite the fact that apple peels contain more useful components (for example, pectin, ursolic acid *, etc.), store-bought fruits, due to their processing, pesticides, it is better to eat peeled.

He also does not advise eating the whole fruit, since the partitions, as well as the skins of the seeds, can injure the intestinal walls. After eating apples, he recommends rinsing your mouth thoroughly, or better yet, brushing your teeth, since the organic acids and sugar they contain can destroy tooth enamel.

NOTE: * – ursolic acid helps build muscle mass, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, and reduces body fat.

Apples, calorie content per 100 grams

Despite the fact that this fruit contains a large amount of sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose), the average calorie content of fruit per 100 g is about 45 kilocalories. The indicator varies depending on the color/sugar content, as well as on the method of preparing the apple.

Green fruits have less calories (about 40 kcal) due to their lower sugar content. But the calorie content of yellow and red varieties rather depends not on the color, but on the sweetness of the product itself (45-50 kcal).

Thus, the difference in the number of calories in fruits of different colors per 100 g of product is insignificant, which cannot be said about the influence of the cooking method on its calorie content.

One fried sweet apple will have a calorie content of about 60 kilocalories (versus 40-45 kcal for a fresh one). This is explained by two factors: during the frying process, the fruit loses juice and does not absorb much fat.

When baked in the oven, apple juice remains inside the fruit, so one average baked apple will contain about 100 kcal. Moreover, the more time the fruit is subjected to heat treatment, the higher the caloric content.

Dried fruit is the leader in energy value, which is about 240-250 kcal per fruit.

How many apples can you eat a day?

The golden rule of all nutritionists is to know moderation in everything. Therefore, excessive consumption may cause more harm than good. Two or three apple fruits are enough for your daily diet.

If this amount is exceeded, it is necessary to abandon additional sources of glucose (porridge, confectionery, sweet drinks) and increase the amount of fruit consumed to four to five pieces. In this case, preference should be given to fruits of domestic origin.

Because in order to increase shelf life, fruits are treated with chemicals, for example, the preservative biphenyl, which contains toxic substances and has a carcinogenic effect. In Russia its use is prohibited, but in the EU countries it is allowed. Therefore, imported fruits must be washed with soap and a brush.

In the evening, it is better to consume fruits two hours before bedtime, since at night the process of digesting food is much slower, and a late meal can cause some discomfort. However, if you do not regularly consume fruits, there will be no harm from a late snack of one apple.

Beneficial properties of apples

Scientists tested 100 different foods for antioxidant content. Apples got 12th place. Antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory and protective properties.

Scientists believe that antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which has a destructive effect on cells.

Apples are also rich in dietary fiber - pectin. The average fruit contains about 4g of dietary fiber. Pectins have an undeniable positive effect on health and well-being, and increase the body's resistance to allergies.

Help regulate cholesterol levels, heal wounds and treat burns. Promote the removal of radionuclides. “Whoever eats an apple a day never sees a doctor.” “An apple at night is for beauty, and in the morning for health.”

Prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease

New research conducted on mice suggests that regular consumption of apple juice may help prevent Alzheimer's disease and reduce the negative impact on brain function.

Mice whose diet included apples showed the highest levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, unlike other mice.

Protects against Parkinson's disease

People who eat fruits and other fiber-rich foods are less susceptible to Parkinson's disease. This disease causes the destruction and death of neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine in the central nervous system.

Scientists attribute this to the ability of antioxidants to fight free radicals.

Prevent the development of cancer

Researchers agree that consuming flavone-rich apples reduces the risk of cancer by 23%. Triterpenoids found in the peel prevent the development of cancer cells in the colon, liver and breast.

Other studies show that apple extract can reduce the size and number of breast tumors.

Prevents the development of type 2 diabetes

Women who ate an apple a day were 28% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not eat apples. These fruits contain dietary fiber, which regulates blood glucose levels.

Reduce cholesterol levels

Soluble dietary fiber in fruits helps dissolve fats in the intestines, which helps normalize cholesterol levels.

Promotes healthy heart function

Researchers link healthy heart function to a high intake of soluble dietary fiber, which slows the growth of cholesterol plaques in the arteries. The phenolic compounds found in apple also prevent cholesterol from hardening on the inner walls of arteries.

Cholesterol plaques in the arteries impair the flow of blood through the arteries to the heart, causing coronary heart disease.

Prevents the formation of gallstones

Gallstones form when your bile has high levels of cholesterol, which hardens when there is not enough fluid. There are especially many gallstones in people who are obese.

To prevent the formation of gallstones, doctors recommend a diet enriched with dietary fiber. This will help normalize your weight and cholesterol levels.

Treat diarrhea and constipation

If you have diarrhea or constipation, dietary fiber may help. They will help ensure that the right amount of water reaches your colon. This will help with bowel movements, or, on the contrary, will remove excess fluid, thereby promoting the natural functioning of the intestines.

Relieves irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome causes abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. To curb these symptoms, doctors advise avoiding dairy and fatty foods. Stick to a diet with enough dietary fiber.

Prevents the formation of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swelling of the blood vessels of the rectum. If left untreated, it can be quite painful. Edema occurs as a result of excess pressure in the pelvic and rectal area.

One of the causes of hemorrhoids is considered to be poor nutrition, in particular lack of fiber. That is why, by eating apples, you can prevent the formation of hemorrhoids.

Helps normalize weight

Excess weight can lead to many diseases. Among them:

1. Type 2 diabetes.
2. Stroke.
3. Heart diseases.
4. High blood pressure.
5. Sleep apnea.

To normalize your weight and improve your well-being, doctors again recommend a diet rich in fiber. Eating foods with enough fiber will help you stay full without consuming extra calories.

Cleanse the liver

With food and drinks, various toxins constantly enter our body. And our liver is responsible for removing them from the body. Many doctors are very skeptical about various detox diets, believing that they do more harm to the body than help.

Fortunately, there are apples that, when consumed, help our liver remove toxins from the body.

Strengthen the immune system

Red apples are rich in an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent research suggests that quercetin improves immune system function. Especially if you are exhausted and stressed.

Prevents the occurrence of cataracts

The results of previous studies did not provide a unanimous answer to this question. Research shows that people who eat fiber-rich apples have a 20% lower risk of developing cataracts.

Apples for fasting days

“Rejuvenating apples” can act as a healthy snack, but they can also be the main component during fasting days for the body, subject to certain rules:

• • the number of such days should not exceed two per week; • during the day you must drink at least 2.5 liters of water; • the daily amount of food must be divided into 5-6 meals; • you can relieve the body only if you feel well and there are no contraindications; • exclude physical and mental stress for this period; • the day after the fasting day, try to avoid eating high-calorie foods and drinking alcohol.

Fruits should be sour or sweet and sour. It is recommended to consume the fruits fresh and baked, and can also be combined with low-fat kefir, cottage cheese and rice porridge.

On a fasting day (once a week), the recommended total amount of fresh fruit is 1.5-2 kg. By carrying out four unloads per month, you can reduce your weight by 2-3 kilograms.

Soaked apples: benefits and harms

Soaked apple fruits are in second place in terms of the amount of substances, vitamins and minerals they contain after fresh ones, since this method of preserving fresh fruits allows you to preserve, and in some cases increase, the amount of useful substances.

This is explained by the fact that soaked fruits are not subjected to heat treatment, which means that the entire chemical composition with its beneficial effect on the human body remains.

First of all, it is worth noting the positive effect of vitamin C on the immune system and the ability to increase the body's resistance. Contained in sufficient quantities in fruits, the vitamin is not destroyed after soaking.

Moreover, its content can be increased by additionally adding berries high in this vitamin (cranberries, lingonberries, viburnum). Lactic acid released after fermentation helps cope with microflora disturbances in the intestines, which is directly related to the level of immunity.

The soaked fruit is also recommended for use to improve processes in the gastrointestinal tract due to the large amount of acids, as well as pectin, which are not destroyed during preservation.

With moderate consumption, there will be no harm from soaked fruits, but if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, high acidity, gastritis), you should avoid them.

What are the benefits of baked apples?

When apples are cooked and stored, the amount of vitamins decreases. Baked apples contain 2 times less vitamin C than fresh ones. But minerals are not destroyed during heat treatment, with the exception of iodine.

100g of baked apple (1 apple) contains:

1. 11% of the daily value for a woman of potassium,
2. 1.6% of calcium DV,
3. 2% of the daily value of magnesium,
4. 1.3% of fluorine HF,
5. 12% of iron DV,
6. 11% of the CH of copper,
7. 8.5% of molybdenum CH,
8. 8% of CH chromium,
9. 1% of the DV of zinc.

Thus, we can conclude that raw and baked apples are rich in potassium, iron, copper and molybdenum.

Potassium is a conductor of nerve impulses, facilitates allergic conditions, normalizes blood pressure, stimulates thought processes, and improves oxygen supply to the brain.

Iron is one of the important microelements that catalyze oxygen exchange processes, is part of hemoglobin, ensures the growth of nerve cells, promotes normal brain function, and improves immunity.

Molybdenum helps prevent caries and strengthen dental tissue, since it retains fluoride, which is beneficial for teeth.

Copper takes an active part in the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, regulates blood pressure, plays an important role in the formation of female genital organs, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

More useful substances...

-apple pectin removes toxins and allergens from the body.

— tannins have an anti-inflammatory effect.

— tannins prevent the formation of stones in the bladder.

- organic acids (tartaric, citric, oxalic, malic), malic acid helps strengthen the nervous system and lose weight. It reduces appetite, breaks down fats, and normalizes metabolism. It has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect, eliminates pain. It is an effective antiseptic, fights acne, redness and other skin problems.

Dried apples: benefits and harms

Drying also allows you to preserve the beneficial properties of the fruit. It has been proven that regular consumption of dried fruits in moderate quantities improves brain function, lowers cholesterol, and normalizes blood pressure. The fiber contained in it normalizes the functioning of the entire digestive system.

Despite all the benefits of dried apples, it is worth noting their high calorie content (more than five times higher than fresh apples). Therefore, if you have problems with excess weight, as well as people suffering from diseases of the digestive and urinary systems, you should refrain from consuming them, and if you have diabetes, these dried fruits are contraindicated.

It is worth noting that it is better to carry out drying yourself at home, since the mass production of dried fruits uses a substance (sulfur dioxide preservative) that poses a danger to human life.

The benefits of apples

It is not for nothing that apples are considered a fruit of health; they contain vitamins of groups C, E, H, K, B, A and PP, as well as micro and macroelements necessary for the human body. Delicious fruits are rich in iron, which affects the health of the circulatory system.

Chemicals released when cutting apples slow down oxidation processes and reduce the damage caused by free radicals to cells in the body. Apple fiber (pectin), in interaction with tanning components, removes dangerous substances from the colon. Apples also contain substances that can protect the genitourinary system from infection - tannins. Properties of apples that make them useful when consumed regularly:

1. The anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect of the fruit has an excellent effect on the condition of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and chronic dysentery and colitis.

2. Choleretic and diuretic action helps reduce symptoms of cholecystitis and frequent constipation, and is used as a mild laxative.

3. Prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Eating apples promotes the accumulation of acetylcholine in the body, a substance responsible for memory function. Thanks to this, the ability of the brain to remember received information is improved and preserved.

4. Normalization of metabolic processes in the body with the help of apples occurs due to the inability of carbohydrates to be converted into fats. Thanks to this property, apple diets have gained great popularity.

5. Reducing cholesterol and the risk of developing atherosclerosis when eating apples occurs due to the content of magnesium salts, ascorbic acid and pectins in the fruits.

6. Normalization of liver function occurs due to the ability of apples to remove oxalic acid from the body. This effect is possible due to the large amount of chlorogenic acid contained in apples.

7. Healthy teeth. After each meal, you can chew an apple to remove plaque on your teeth and clean the interdental spaces. This will additionally protect your teeth from caries.

8. Prevention of respiratory diseases. Scientists conducted a scientific study and came to the conclusion: daily consumption of apples reduces the occurrence of respiratory diseases. Children who drink apple juice daily have reduced symptoms of asthma.

The benefits of dried apples

During the summer season, an apple tree can produce a rich harvest, which is not always possible to keep fresh until spring. Therefore, even in ancient times, people came up with a method of preservation - drying. During the drying process, all the liquid evaporates from apple slices, leaving concentrated substances. Dried apples contain carbohydrates that are converted in the human body into energy, especially necessary during winter frosts.

Dried apples become a source of vitamins during the spring period of vitamin deficiency; they are especially useful for children and pregnant women. But people suffering from excess weight and diabetes are not recommended to eat apples in this form. When dried, apples contain a lot of fructose, sucrose and glucose.

The benefits of baked apples

During baking, the pectin content in apples increases, so they become an excellent remedy during intestinal disorders. Doctors recommend eating apples in this form for pancreatitis, dysbacteriosis and cholecystitis. After complex operations using anesthesia, the pectin in baked apples helps remove waste products from medications from the body.

When cooked, apples lose a small amount of vitamins and nutrients, but this product is more easily absorbed by the body. Due to this, more effective restoration of blood and lymph occurs. In addition, for colds, baked apples can relieve coughing and reduce pain in a sore throat.

Baked apples: benefits and harms

When baked, the amount of vitamin C, of ​​course, decreases. But, in addition to their low calorie content, good laxative and diuretic effect, baked apple fruits have one more advantage: they can be consumed by people suffering from disorders of the digestive system, when fresh fruits are prohibited.

Moreover, after baking, the amount of pectin increases (per 100 grams of the final product), which can restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and also reduce cholesterol.

It is also worth noting the presence of a large amount of potassium, which normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The benefits of a baked apple are great for the body of a pregnant and nursing mother, as well as the unborn child.

You should refrain from eating baked fruit only if you have chronic diseases of the urinary system and cholelithiasis.

Harm from eating apples

The benefits of regularly eating apples are undoubted and undeniable, but in individual cases they can harm the body. You should not follow an apple diet for a long time; ingesting an excessive amount of coarse fiber into the body can lead to an exacerbation of colitis.

Sweet varieties of apples are contraindicated for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. For allergy sufferers, it is better not to overuse red apple varieties. Under no circumstances should you eat an apple with its seeds; they contain a substance dangerous to the human body - hydrocyanic acid.

Apple seeds: benefits and harms

Apples are so healthy that not only the pulp, but even the seeds have a number of positive effects. Thus, due to the content of iodine, potassium and highly concentrated oils, there is a beneficial effect on mental activity, as well as the functioning of the nervous system and thyroid gland. The seeds also contain the rare vitamin lethril (B17), which has an anti-cancer effect.

However, the consumption of this beneficial component must be limited to 5-6 pieces per day, since if this norm is exceeded, there may be a negative effect of a toxic substance (amygdalin glycoside, which is converted in the stomach into hydrocyanic acid), which is also part of the seeds.

How to choose, collect and store apples

As you know, fruits with brown seeds are considered ripe. There are removable and consumer and maturity (ripeness). At consumer ripeness, apples of summer varieties must be fully ripened on the tree.

Winter and autumn varieties are harvested at the harvest stage of maturity, when the fruits have reached the size, color, taste and aromatic properties typical for the variety. But the flesh is still quite tough.

For long-term storage, fruits should be collected together with the stalk, wearing gloves, so as not to disturb the waxy coating, which protects the fruit from microbes, moisture evaporation and wilting. Medium-sized fruits are better preserved.

Apples can be stored in the basement in lattice wooden boxes. To prevent mechanical damage, use wrapping paper and wood shavings. The optimal storage temperature is +1o C, air humidity is 90%.

In accordance with GOST 27819-88, it is better to store apples in the refrigerator to preserve their beneficial properties.

How to choose the right apples

The health benefits of apples are largely determined by the correct choice of this product. When choosing fruit in a store or at the market, you need to pay attention to some nuances.

• The fruits should be firm to the touch, without stains or dents.
• They should have a pleasant apple aroma.
• Large fruits are more likely to be overripe than small ones.
• You should prefer those apples that quickly darken when cut.
• It is better to buy such fruit from grandmothers, who put their soul into them when growing them.
• If the fruit has a wormhole, then this is evidence that it was grown without chemicals, which means it is natural.
• Dark seeds indicate the ripeness of the fruit, while white or partially brown seeds indicate that the product is not ripe.

Important! Remember, all the beautiful fruits lying on supermarket shelves and shining with an attractive shine and purity are treated with a special solution and coated with wax for longer storage. There is no benefit in such fruits, and it is better to remove the peel.

The many beneficial properties of apples are an indisputable fact. One of the most accessible and important fruits can saturate the body with many useful substances.

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Methods of use at home

The most common fruit in orchards has a fairly wide range of applications.

The use of apples in folk medicine

The use of fruits for home treatment is due to the presence of vitamins, minerals and other substances and their positive effects on the human body.

Apples are excellent in helping to cope with vitamin deficiency, constipation and swelling. They have a complex effect on the functioning of all vital systems of the body. However, it is worth considering possible contraindications and consuming fruits in moderation.

For constipation, folk healers recommend healing tea made from dried apples:

• 100 grams of dried apple fruits, dried cherries and other dried fruits (a little).
• Boil and drink in small portions 5 times a day.

For obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and gallbladder diseases, it is recommended to drink 100 ml of freshly squeezed juice 20-30 minutes before meals.

For a sore throat, you can use apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon per glass of water) to gargle. Homemade apple cider vinegar can be prepared from carrion, overripe fruits, sour juices, jam, etc.

Possible uses for cosmetic purposes

“Youth apples” are useful not only when taken orally, but also as a component of masks for the face, neck, and hand skin. Simply wipe your face and hands with a piece of apple to give them a fresh and toned look. With grated fruit pulp, you can quickly heal wounds on the lips and heels. And in combination with oatmeal and cream, an apple mask will help protect the delicate skin of the face and hands during cold weather.

Use in cooking

In addition to being used fresh as an ingredient in salads, the fruit is excellently used in a variety of sweet pastries and desserts, as well as as a component in the preparation of side dishes in dried, soaked and baked form.

Jams and jams are made from them. Marmalade and marshmallows include pectin, obtained from apple fruits. In general, it is worth noting that the apple is a beneficial product in any kitchen. It is worth noting that this fruit is widespread in vegetarian cuisine and is the basis for many dishes.

Among the simplest apple recipes, we can recommend chips according to Sergei Agapkin:

Apple chips in the oven recipe:

Ingredients: two apples (hard varieties), water (200 ml), one lemon, sugar (150 grams).

Preparation:

1. Make syrup: dissolve sugar in boiling water.
2. Cool and add lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning.
3. Core the fruit and cut into thin round slices.
4. Dip the slices into the syrup and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
5. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 6 hours (temperature 80-90o C). ATTENTION: In the middle of the cycle (after 3 hours), you need to turn the chips over to the other side. As the chips cool, they will become crispy.
6. To reduce the calorie content of chips, you can prepare them without adding sugar. In this case, before placing in the oven, you need to keep the fruits in water with lemon juice.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the benefits of apples for the human body are obvious and beyond doubt. However, it should be remembered that a positive effect will be achieved only with moderate use, as well as the absence of contraindications.

Dear readers, please share your opinion, experience, observations in the comments, and also send a link to the article to your friends on social networks. THANK YOU!!! Have a nice day and GOOD LUCK in all your endeavors!!!

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Apple benefits and apple harm

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Apple is one of the most common fruits in our country. Among other fruits, there are always a lot of apples of different varieties on the shelves in shopping centers. Most people like to eat them in a variety of forms - fresh, baked, dried, in the form of jam, jam and even marmalade. Most people don’t think about the fact that apples are not only healthy, but can also be harmful and, for some, contraindicated.

What are the benefits of apples?

This fruit contains many useful substances:

• fiber and pectin (soluble fiber) remove harmful substances and cholesterol from the body, which means they reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and reduce the likelihood of stroke and heart attack. They also have a choleretic effect, accelerate intestinal motility and act as a mild laxative. Due to their high fiber content, apples quickly cause a feeling of fullness, reduce appetite and can be used for weight loss. Pectins help improve complexion and, according to cosmetologists, promote rejuvenation, but only with regular use;
• vitamins B1, B2, C, P and E are involved in various metabolic processes of the body, strengthen the immune system, help in the fight against depression and neuroses;
• a large number of different microelements. Iron is part of hemoglobin, which is the carrier of oxygen in the human body; a decrease in hemoglobin is called anemia and leads to consequences such as fatigue, weakness, and poor health. Magnesium has a positive effect on the nervous system, helps fight excitability and nervousness. Phosphorus and calcium ensure strong bones and teeth. Potassium is useful for people suffering from gout, rheumatism, and cardiovascular diseases;
• tannins have a slight anti-inflammatory effect, this effect is especially pronounced in case of inflammation of the genitourinary organs, and tannins also remove heavy metal salts from the body;
• phytoncides are also found in apples, although we are used to thinking that they are only in onions and garlic. Phytoncides have a bactericidal effect and help fight colds, and regular consumption of apples is their prevention;
• The antioxidants contained in apples rid the body of free radicals and prevent harmful oxidative processes. Antioxidants are found in apple peel;
• tartaric and malic acids in small quantities help break down fats, so after eating fatty foods it will be useful to eat an apple, this will ease the work of the stomach;
• It should also be noted that apples are hypoallergenic, but this applies to green varieties of apples; red and orange apples, on the contrary, can provoke an allergic reaction.

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Now let's talk about the dangers of apples

Apples are often an integral component of diets, but you should not eat too much of them; due to the large amount of fiber, apples can provoke an exacerbation or the occurrence of colitis. It is enough to eat 2-3 apples a day.

Due to the high content of acids (malic and tartaric), apples are undesirable for people suffering from gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, otherwise they can provoke an exacerbation. And red varieties of apples should be excluded altogether, because they have the maximum content of these acids.

Acids, along with sugar, which is also found in apples, damage tooth enamel, so dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with water after eating apples.

Excessive consumption of apples increases the acidity of the gastric juice and provokes increased gas formation in the intestines, which causes bloating and pain.

There is a lot of harm hidden in apple seeds. They contain a lot of iodine, the excess of which is very unfavorable for the body. The seeds contain hydrocyanic acid, which is a toxic substance. If you want to compensate for the lack of iodine in the body, then you should not eat more than 4-5 seeds.

Apples that are sold in winter do much more harm than good, because such apples contain a lot of chemicals, they are used for rapid growth, ripening and increasing the shelf life of apples.

Applesauce should not be given to children under 9-10 months of age, due to its high acid content, which the body of a small child is not adapted to. Acids cause strong fermentation in the intestines, bloating, fiber increases peristalsis, which can even lead to intestinal obstruction. Apple juice, in which the concentration of acids is extremely high, should be excluded from the child’s diet for at least one year.

Let's sum it up

• Apples are useful for high cholesterol levels in the blood, cardiovascular diseases, constipation and reduced immunity.
• Don't buy apples in winter, they contain a lot of chemicals.
• Do not eat more than 2-3 apples per day.
• For gastritis and peptic ulcers, it is better to avoid eating fresh apples altogether; you can replace them with baked apples.
• Apple seeds contain hydrocyanic acid; it is better not to eat them at all.
• Do not give applesauce to children under 9-10 months of age, and apple juice until at least one year of age.

home

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It's rare that someone doesn't like apples. This is not only a delicious fruit, but also extremely healthy. As doctors say, whoever eats 2 apples daily can protect themselves from 100 diseases.

Moreover, apples should be eaten not only by people who are in good health, but also by those who have problems with it. In this article, our conversation will be about the benefits and harms of apples, as well as about treatment with these wonderful fruits.

The benefits of apples

Apples contain vitamin C - excellent support for the immune system. Vitamin C protects us from colds and infections and helps us recover faster if you are already sick.

To prevent colds, your task is to eat a couple of apples a day.

Apples contain provitamin A (beta-carotene), an essential substance for good vision.

Apples contain iron, as well as components that are involved in hematopoiesis.

Vitamin P is necessary for the prevention of hypertension and is necessary to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels.

Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, selenium, tocopherol and quercetin can protect us from cancer and slow down aging.

Apples contain iodine, an essential element for the thyroid gland.

Pectins in apples cleanse the body and participate in the removal of radioactive elements and heavy metal salts.

Eating these fruits improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes cholesterol, restores metabolism and gives us many other beneficial properties.

Apples also contain phytoncides - substances that can actively counteract the pathogens of Staphylococcus aureus, influenza A viruses, dysentery, and Proteus.

If a person has had a heart attack, he is also advised to eat apples.

Apple juice also has many benefits. It improves the condition of the heart and blood vessels, and is useful for those who are engaged in mental work. Apple juice also contains substances necessary for hematopoiesis.

There is a strong opinion that green apples contain more vitamins than red ones.

With such incredible benefits of apples, can they harm us?

When can apples be harmful?

If you are diagnosed with gastritis or an ulcer, do not eat sour apples, choose sweet varieties, and for those who have problems with the heart and blood vessels, on the contrary, it is very undesirable to eat sweet apples.

I once wrote about the apple diet and cleansing with apples. however, you need to take moderation in everything; you shouldn’t “sit” on apples alone for a long time, otherwise inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract may begin, and its functioning will worsen due to the rich fiber content in these fruits.

Fruit acids, which are also abundant in apples, can cause harm by causing inflammation in the gallbladder. And tooth enamel is destroyed by these fruit acids and apple sugar. Therefore, rinse your mouth with water every time you eat an apple.

Don't eat apples before bed, as this can cause increased gas.

Harm from apple seeds

I recently published an article about the effects of fruit seeds on our health, and I briefly mentioned apple seeds. But I didn’t write there that they contain hydrocyanic acid - a poison, if you consume them in unlimited quantities, you can get poisoned. 5 apple seeds will not cause such harm, you will only get benefits, because in addition to hydrocyanic acid, they also contain iodine.

And a few more recommendations for eating apples:

• If a worm is found in an apple or has previously been in it, do not be afraid to eat such an apple, it will not cause harm, but, on the contrary, will be useful - worms, most often, choose the most delicious fruits.
• Small fruits have a greater concentration of beneficial components.
• The apple peel and the pulp directly underneath contain the most vitamins. However, if you buy these fruits at the store and they look shiny and sticky to the touch, then they have been treated with wax. In this case, the skin of the apples will have to be removed.

From this video you will learn some more amazing facts about the benefits of apples, as well as recipes on how to prepare healthy and tasty dishes from these fruits:

Apple treatment recipes

• If you suffer from excess weight, anemia or vitamin deficiency, prepare the following mixture: 100 ml apple juice, 50 ml melon juice, 25 ml lemon juice and 5 ml tomato juice, mix and consume every day.
• If you suffer from atherosclerosis, hypertension, gall bladder problems, obesity, drink 100 grams of apple juice a quarter of an hour before meals.
• If you are tormented by a cough and hoarseness, then apples will also be useful. Use this folk recipe: take apple peels (1 tbsp), pour boiling water (250 ml) over it and let it steep, like tea. Drink this drink before meals, five to six times a day, 100 g.
• Or pour a liter of water into two or three apples, including the peel, boil for a quarter of an hour and drink the drink before meals, 250 ml three times a day.
• Warm apple compote is another remedy for cough and hoarseness.
• If you have a cold, prepare an infusion of dried apple tree leaves (100g of leaves per liter of water), add a little sugar and drink 100g warm every two hours.

• When coughing, gruel with onions and apples will be beneficial: grate onions (200g) and the same amount of apples on a coarse grater, mix everything well, add 20g of honey, mix again. Take 15g between meals three times a day.
• Apples for cracked lips, on hands: grate 100g of apples, mix with any animal fat (pork, goose) or butter in a 1×1 ratio. Apply the mixture at night to damaged skin that has been previously cleansed with soap. If you have formed pockets in the corners of your lips, then a completely different treatment is needed. You can read more about this here.
• For burns, mashed apples are also used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Warts, inflammations on the skin of the face - apple masks are used for this.
• For eczema, you can make an infusion from apple peels: make tea from viburnum flowers (1 teaspoon of flowers per 250 ml of boiling water), chop the peel, take 1 tablespoon of it. and pour the prepared tea over it. The drink is infused for an hour, then you can drink 100 ml before meals and at night for a month.
• Anemia (anemia). If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you will definitely be advised to eat half a kilogram of apples per day for a month, preferably green ones. There is also advice for anemia to drink freshly squeezed apple juice (80%) and beet juice (20%). This juice should be taken for 2 weeks, a glass twice a day.
• Peeled apples often help with heartburn.
• If you have been diagnosed with gastritis, apples will also be good for you. Try using this recipe: take green apples, core and pit them, and grate them together with the peel on a fine grater. The resulting pulp should be eaten on an empty stomach in the morning, and nothing should be consumed from food or drink after that for 4-5 hours. This type of apple treatment is carried out daily for the first 30 days, every other day or two for the next 30 days, and once a week for the next 30 days.
• You should not refuse the diet that is prescribed to you for gastritis. Do not drink milk and strong coffee or tea, do not eat spicy foods, fatty and salty foods, or freshly baked bread.
• Another recipe for gastritis, but this time apples with honey: take 300 grams of green apples, peel the core, grate whatever remains, finely grate, add honey (20 grams). Do not eat or drink anything for 4-5 hours after drinking this mixture. Use this pulp in the same sequence over the months as above in the recipe for apples without honey for gastritis.
• If you have colitis or enterocolitis, eat 1.5 kg of apples per day for two days in a row in five to six doses.

• If you have bad breath, drink 250 ml of apple compote at the end of lunch and dinner.
• For constipation, many people are helped by 2 apples boiled for 5-7 minutes in a mixture of 250 ml of milk and 100 ml of water. Try eating them on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Sour apple varieties will be beneficial for constipation and stomach problems that occur due to low acidity.
• If you have gout or urolithiasis, you can try this decoction: take 3 medium-sized apples, wash and cut them completely, not peeled. Pour a liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, then add sugar to your taste.
• If there is an acute attack of gout, apply a compress of pieces of soaked apples to the sore joint at night.
• If you have hypertension, pour a glass of boiling water over the dried apple peel (1 tbsp) and let it sit for 10 minutes, after which you can add sugar and drink 100 g before meals up to 6 times a day.
• If you have atherosclerosis, you should drink half a glass of freshly squeezed apple juice 15-30 minutes before eating. By eating two or three fresh apples daily you will prevent atherosclerosis.
• For chronic bronchitis, make a decoction of wild apples and drink it hot for 15-20 days.
• You can cure a cough with a mixture of grated apples, honey and onions (in equal proportions). The mixture is drunk three times during the day, 1 tbsp.
• If you suffer from pleurisy, bake a few apples in the oven and eat them warm throughout the day.

Nature has created for us many beautiful fruits that can bring extreme benefits to our health. These include apples. Despite the harm described above, their benefits for us are incredible. Enrich your diet with these wonderful fruits and

I always knew how useful apples were, but I didn’t imagine that they could also be used for treatment, that they were so healing. Thank you. And what about the fact that purchased ones, grown for sale, are not very healthy? I don’t really believe this can be applied to absolutely all products, be they of plant or animal origin. Chemistry is present everywhere, what to do, don’t eat, don’t drink

Lyudmila, why don’t you believe me? Indeed, now many products contain a lot of chemicals, which does not make them useful. You still have to eat them, you just need to replenish the nutrients.

I don’t see any difference between homemade apples and those sold in stores (I exclude imports). All gardeners, to prevent their apples from being eaten by codling moths (the apple tree has the most pests), should be sprayed with chemicals 2-3 times per season, or maybe more, due to the fact that the neighbor next to the fence does not do this and all the pests are with him :). And in large gardens (for sale), agricultural technology is followed, there are fewer risks, everything is ventilated. Savings on labor and chemicals. That's it.

You, Lyudmila, seem to have already encountered this.

Great article, Olya. We love apples very much. We sell homemade apples at the market, they are tasty and healthy. There are so many useful things in them! We eat them every day now.

And I know that the seeds contain Iodine. It is very necessary for the thyroid gland. Nowadays, more and more women suffer from thyroid diseases - stress and fatigue. all this affects the gland.

to be frank, the seeds contain hydrocyanic acid, although you need to eat quite a lot of these seeds so that they send us to another world, where chemicals are no longer scary and you don’t have to bother with peeling the skin. paradox, such a widget in the store indicates that the apples are from Moldova, but on the counter the label says that the apples are from Serbia, and accordingly the price is different

I watched the video. And I really liked the picture with the hedgehog and apples - such a cute and funny hedgehog!

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Apple is the most common and famous fruit on earth. Garden crops are grown in all countries with warm and temperate climate zones. In the Christian religion, apples have a special place; a holiday is even named in their honor - the Great Apple Savior, celebrated annually on August 19, because it was with this fruit that the insidious Eve seduced Adam.

The apple is present on the table in every home almost all year round and is represented by dozens of different types for every taste: summer, autumn and late winter varieties. with different peel colors, sizes, tastes and aroma.

Chemical and vitamin composition: a storehouse of useful elements

Despite the great variety of varieties, the content of basic nutritional elements is the same. therefore, the question of which varieties of apples are healthier is not always significant. The difference lies in the quantitative ratio of the components when comparing fruits with red and green skins. In addition, studies have shown that fruits with green skins are less allergenic than their “pink-sided” counterparts.

On average, apples contain:

• vitamins – PP, K, H, E, C, B9, B2, B5, B1, B6, A;
• minerals - potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, phosphorus, rubidium, iron, nickel, cobalt, zinc, vanadium, aluminum, sulfur, iodine, molybdenum, manganese, copper, fluorine, chromium, selenium;
• organic, fatty and amino acids;
• ash;
• starch;
• fiber and dietary fiber;
• Sahara;
• beta-carotenes;
• tannin;
• pectins;
• antioxidants;
• tannins.

In addition, the fruits contain approximately 75% water and 10% carbohydrates. This is the most affordable fruit to meet the body's needs for vitamins and minerals and the absolute champion in iron content.

Nutritional value per 100 g of product:

10 g;

These fruits are an excellent means of preventing the development of many diseases and are available to consumers almost all year round.

Apples in dietetics

There is a joke among those losing weight: “if you want to eat, eat an apple; if you don’t want an apple, don’t want to eat.” The importance of this fruit in dietary and healthy eating is characterized by its nutritional composition. Fiber and dietary fiber not only help improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but also help to quickly satiate and satisfy hunger for a long time, so the temptation to nibble between main meals will be less.

Apple is included in the menu of 90% of existing diets. But there are also specially designed mono-diets, as well as kefir-apple fasting days. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to eat apples while on a diet disappears by itself. The main caution is to strictly follow the recommendations and not increase the indicated duration.

The apple diet comes with fresh and baked fruits, standard or shortened, but each method of losing excess weight has reasoned contraindications that must be taken into account.

Apples can be fried, stewed, baked, dried, soaked and pickled. Interesting combinations are obtained in the presence of fruit in salads, both fruit and vegetable, main courses, vegetable stews, porridges or dietary casseroles. The combination of meat and apples helps to break down protein and lipid structures more efficiently.

The fruit can be consumed together with the following products:

Apples make especially healthy dietary cocktails, purees, mousses, and low-calorie baked goods. And in order to diversify the “losing weight” menu with something tasty, you can prepare a wonderful low-calorie delicacy - oven-baked fruits with raisins and ground cinnamon.

No less popular than the apple itself is the juice obtained from it. Read a separate article about the benefits and harms of apple juice. This juice is versatile in its own way and is actively mixed and combined in the production of drinks with others, for example, with carrot juice.

Product consumption rate

How many apples can you have in a day? Adults, elderly people, as well as pregnant and lactating women can safely eat one large or two medium fruits (fresh or baked) per day. The recommended time for an apple snack is at least an hour and a half after lunch or as a component of morning breakfast.

Children are allowed apple complementary foods from 4-5 months in the form of thoroughly ground puree, 1-2 teaspoons per day. To diversify the menu, the puree can be made apple-carrot or apple-pumpkin.

Is it possible to eat apples on an empty stomach (on an empty stomach), with gastritis and pancreatitis, and when is it best to eat them (before or after meals, at night, in the evening, in the morning, every day, etc.)?

You can’t eat apples on an empty stomach, because there is a high risk of heartburn or causing hunger, since fruits increase the secretion of gastric juice on an empty stomach. In particular, you should not get carried away with these products if you have diseases associated with high acidity.

The important question of how to eat apples, with or without peel, can be solved very simply: fruits that you have grown yourself or purchased from friends can be eaten without peeling, having first washed them thoroughly. It is better to clean apples from the market and store, because when storing fruits, they are treated with special compounds and simple washing will not help.

Harm of apples and contraindications for consumption

Apples should not be eaten if you have a diagnosed allergy to this type of fruit. Harm from excessive consumption of fruits can manifest itself as follows:

• increased acidity and worsening diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• the negative impact of organic acids in apples on tooth enamel;
• deterioration of the condition in diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• increased risk of developing gallbladder inflammation;
• an overabundance of certain minerals and the resulting adverse consequences.

Apples should not be eaten with seeds. And you need to approach mono-diets with special attention, because a long stay on an apple diet with a high fiber content will not only not cleanse the intestines, but will also provoke the development of gastritis, ulcers and colitis.

How to distinguish good apples from low-quality ones?

A good apple is firm, without signs of spoilage on the skin or external stains, with a subtle characteristic aroma. A quality product quickly darkens when cut. but an artificial one can lie for a day without visible oxidative processes. If you doubt the “non-nitrate” nature of apples, remember the old method: choose fruits with wormholes - this is a guarantee of 100% naturalness of the fruit, since worms do not live in a bad apple.

How best to store

Apples can be stored in a cool, ventilated place for up to six months. in a warm place - several days. The later the fruit ripens, the better it will be stored (summer fruits are generally not intended for this). Apples tend to breathe, so there is no need to place them in polyethylene. For mass storage, fruits are placed in wooden boxes and sprinkled with ash.

The benefits of apples have been known for a long time, because it is no coincidence that in fairy tales so beloved by children, this fruit is called nothing less than “rejuvenating.” Even after heat treatment, apples retain all their beneficial properties, remaining an excellent source of elements important for the body.

Nutrition, diets and exercises for weight loss