Why apples are useful for the body, medicinal properties and contraindications

The benefits and harms of apples are an important issue, since these fruits are among the most popular and affordable. It is worth carefully studying the composition of the fruits and properties in order to figure out when they are needed and when they can damage.

Vitamins and minerals in apples

The health benefits and harms of apples are determined by their rich composition. Fruits of any color and variety must contain:

• vitamins A, E, B, K and H;
• vitamin PP;
• increased amount of iron;
• zinc and sodium, magnesium and sulfur;
• phosphorus, chlorine, calcium and potassium;
• manganese and iodine;
• fiber and natural acids;
• saturated and unsaturated fatty acids;
• ash;
• tannins.

Nutritional value and calorie content of apples

Nutrients in fruits are distributed as follows: 9.8 g are occupied by carbohydrates, in an equal volume, 0.4 g each, fats and proteins are present. The average calorie content of fresh fruit per 100 g is about 47 kcal.

Which apples are healthier: red, green or yellow

There are many varieties of apples, however, all fruits can be divided into 3 groups according to the color of the peel - green, yellow or red. Depending on the color, fruits have different beneficial properties.

• The health benefits of green apples are that they are the least likely to cause allergies. They contain an increased amount of vitamin C, there are fewer carbohydrates, and more organic acids, therefore, the nutritional properties of green fruits are lower.
• The benefits of red apples for the human body is a controversial issue. On the one hand, they have the sweetest taste, and they contain a lot of polyphenols - substances necessary for healthy heart function. But at the same time, healthy fruits contain a lot of sugars, their calorie content can reach 60 kcal per 100 g, and the coloring matter in the peel often causes allergies.
• Yellow fruits are closer to the health benefits of green apples. They are especially valuable for the gallbladder and biliary tract and, less often than red, cause allergic reactions. In yellow fruits, the iron content is increased. But at the same time, sometimes they can still cause individual intolerance, and also bring harm in case of inflammatory ailments of the respiratory tract.

Thus, we can conclude that the benefits of green apples for the human body are the most. As for the benefits and harms of red apples, they are ambiguous - it is better to use red fruits in small quantities.

Useful properties of apples

Regular consumption of apple fruits brings unconditional benefits to the body. Namely, the fruits:

• strengthen the heart, significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, alleviate the symptoms of ischemia;
• lower harmful cholesterol in the blood and help maintain the health and elasticity of blood vessels;
• stimulate appetite, regulate the intestines and stomach;
• have a beneficial effect on vision, preventing the development of eye diseases;
• have a rejuvenating effect on brain cells and the entire body as a whole;
• have a mild choleretic and diuretic effect;
• contribute to the rapid removal of toxins and toxins from the body.

Fresh fruit is the best source of vitamins and iron. If you use them every day, then you can not be afraid of anemia and vitamin deficiency.

For women

The benefits of apples for a woman's body is that the fruit maintains health during menopause, and, in particular, prevents the development of osteoporosis. The properties of the fruits have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair, the benefits of apples during pregnancy are extremely great - fruits saturate both the woman and the fetus with important vitamins and acids.

Due to its high iron content, fruits are good for menstruation - they help reduce the harm from blood loss.

For men

The benefits of apples for a man's body primarily lie in the fact that the fruits strengthen bones and improve blood composition, increase overall endurance. The properties of these fruits in a constant diet protect men from cancer and asthma, from vascular diseases and heart ailments.

For children

The benefits of apples for children are undeniable - fruits contribute to the healthy development of a growing body and strengthen the child's immunity. Apple puree can be introduced into the diet of children from 7 months, and for babies on artificial feeding even earlier - at 4 months. Apple can be mixed with cottage cheese, added to a casserole or tea.

The benefits of apples for weight loss

The benefits of green apples for weight loss are one of the best ways to quickly say goodbye to extra pounds. The fruit is so effective in regulating digestion and removing toxins that it is not even necessary to go on a special diet. In order for the benefits of apples for weight loss to be fully manifested, it is enough just to reduce the use of high-calorie foods and supplement the diet with 2-4 green fruits per day.

Fasting days on apples will be of great benefit. During the day, you need to eat only green fruits and low-calorie kefir, and 1 kg of fruit and 1 liter of kefir should be divided into 4-5 meals for the whole day. In just a day, you can lose up to 1.5 kg without harm to health, however, such "unloading" is allowed no more than once a week.

Can apples

In some conditions and diseases, you have to think over the diet especially carefully. And then the question arises - will the properties of apples bring the usual benefits, or in order to avoid harm from their use, it is better to refuse.

During pregnancy

During the period of bearing a child, apples must be present in a woman's diet. They contain many vitamins, therefore, prevent the development of anemia in the expectant mother, saturate the fetus with useful substances. The greatest benefits during pregnancy are green apples - such fruits rarely cause allergic reactions.

The benefit of apples for pregnant women is that it reduces the risk of developing allergies in a child.

When breastfeeding

The benefits of apples every day will be throughout the lactation period. It is recommended to introduce fruit into the diet of young mothers a couple of weeks after childbirth, the amount should be limited to 2-3 green fruits per day. Immediately after the birth of the child, it is better for mothers to eat not fresh, but baked fruits, they are easier to digest, and the content of nutrients in them is quite large.

With gastritis and ulcers

In general, eating fruits with gastritis is useful, they contribute to the normal digestion of food. But if the acidity of the stomach is increased, then you should choose sweet varieties, but with low acidity it is better to give preference to sour green apples. You need to eat no more than a couple of healthy fruits per day.

With an ulcer, apples on an empty stomach are strictly prohibited - the substances they contain irritate the mucous membranes and can aggravate the condition. It is better to replace fresh fruits with baked ones - they are less likely to be harmful.

It is better to make a soft, healthy puree from the fruit.

With diabetes mellitus

Glucose and fructose in fruits can lead to sharp jumps in blood sugar - this is unambiguous harm in diabetes. But on the other hand, the benefits of apples for the intestines are great, which is very important in diabetes - the fiber in the fruits helps cleanse the body of toxins and toxins.

Doctors agree that apples are allowed for diabetes, but only sour varieties and in very small quantities. When eating fruit, you need to closely monitor your blood glucose levels. The most useful for this disease will not be fresh, but baked fruits.

With pancreatitis

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, any apples are strictly prohibited, they will only bring harm. But after going into remission, the fruits can be returned to the diet. The benefits of apples for the pancreas will be expressed in the fact that the fruits will improve the digestive process and reduce the load on the diseased organ.

In the chronic stage of the disease, you can eat up to 2 healthy fruits a day, after removing the hard peel from them. It is necessary to choose yellow and green non-acidic varieties; baked fruits are also allowed.

Why pickled, baked and dried apples are useful

Apple fruits are consumed not only fresh - dried, pickled and baked fruits have excellent taste and value for health.

• Dried apples - a good source of vitamins E, K, P and B, as well as potassium and calcium. Eating fruits is useful for strengthening the immune system and the heart, blood vessels and the nervous system. During high-temperature drying, vitamin C is almost destroyed in fruits, but even despite this, their benefits remain enormous.
• Pickled apples, which are obtained by fermentation - a useful product with a high content of calcium and all vitamins present in fresh fruits. It is highly recommended to use them for joint problems - they serve as a prevention of osteoporosis and inflammatory bone ailments.
• Baked fruit contain fewer vitamins than fresh or soaked ones, but they retain all the trace elements, pectins and fiber. You can use such a product with frequent stomach upsets - the benefit of apples for the intestines will be that the baked fruit will effectively restore the microflora and relieve inflammation.

The benefits and harms of apple peel

The dense apple peel is a very valuable part of this fruit. It contains a high concentration of vitamins and minerals that make up the apple, as well as a large amount of antioxidants responsible for cell renewal.

However, the benefits and harms of apple peels are not so clear-cut. First of all, not only valuable, but also harmful substances are concentrated in the peel. If the fruit during cultivation or storage was treated with chemicals and pesticides, it is better to peel them off - it will only harm.

In addition, the peel of some varieties is very hard. It is better not to eat fruits in dense skin with a sensitive stomach - this can lead to additional irritation to the mucous membranes.

How to eat apples properly

In order for apples to be useful, certain rules must be followed when using them. So, eating fruit is not recommended as a dessert. The harm from an apple after eating is that the fruit instantly oxidizes and begins to ferment in the stomach.

An apple for breakfast will benefit as vitamins and minerals are absorbed as quickly as possible. There will also be benefits from an apple in the evening - eaten shortly before dinner, it will help you digest food better.

How many apples can you eat per day

With all the beneficial properties of the fruits, it is not recommended to abuse them. 2-4 apples per day will be enough for a healthy person. Since these fruits contain quite a lot of sugar and organic acids, more of them are harmful to health.

Is it possible to eat apples at night

The benefits and harms of apples at night is a controversial issue that cannot be answered unequivocally. Low-calorie fruits just before bed can help satisfy hunger without harming the stomach. In addition, the benefits of apples for the teeth are manifested - the fruits help to clean off the plaque formed during the day and prevent caries from occurring.

But on the other hand, the benefits of an apple at night can be harmful. Sometimes the fruit only awakens the appetite and also leads to flatulence and discomfort in the intestines due to its high fiber content.

The use of apples in traditional medicine

Apples in a constant diet have strong healing properties on their own. But sometimes fruits are purposefully used to treat ailments and effective medicines are prepared based on them.

Apple tea for cholesterol and blood pressure

The benefits of apples for the liver are especially noticeable when drinking apple tea. The tool effectively removes toxins from the body, reduces the load on the liver, as a result, blood vessels are cleansed and blood pressure normalizes.

It is not difficult to prepare a drink - for this you need to pour boiling water over apple flowers, leaves or buds and insist a little, like green tea. To make the benefits of apple broth even more, you can add lemon juice or slices of fresh fruit to the drink. Apple tea can be mixed with ordinary tea leaves, cinnamon and mint, natural honey can be added to the drink.

Tincture of apple leaves for colds

For colds, many apple-based remedies are effective. So, fresh apples with honey, dried and baked fruits, apple compotes are of great benefit. But the tincture from the leaves of the fruit tree will help the best from the symptoms of SARS or flu - it is in the foliage that the most vitamin C is contained.

To prepare the tincture, you need to pour 200 ml of boiling water 20 g of dry leaves, and then add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. The remedy is insisted for an hour, and they drink half a glass twice a day.

Ointment for healing wounds and cracks

The beneficial properties of the fruit will help to quickly restore damaged skin. You can make a homemade ointment - grate a fresh apple, and then mix with melted butter. The consistency of the product should resemble a thick cream. Apple oil relieves inflammation and helps with acne and blackheads, heals cracks and wounds, and helps to quickly eliminate healing burns.

Apples in home cosmetology

The properties of the fruit are used in dozens of home cosmetic masks. An apple brings benefits for the face for all skin types - the main thing is to choose the right additional ingredients.

Acne face mask

To cleanse the skin and eliminate acne, you need to peel the fresh fruit, cut the pulp into small cubes, and then boil it in 200 ml of milk. The soft malolactic gruel is applied to the face for a quarter of an hour, and then washed with cool water.

The benefits of boiled apples will be that they will relieve inflammation and help regulate the fat content of the epidermis, so acne will appear much less often.

Anti-aging anti-wrinkle mask

In order to smooth the skin and eliminate the first wrinkles, you can make the following mask:

• baked apple without the peel, knead into a gruel and mix with egg yolk;
• a teaspoon of heavy cream is added to the mixture;
• the composition is brought to homogeneity, and then distributed over the skin for a quarter of an hour.

Mask for oily skin

To dry oily skin a little and eliminate unpleasant greasy shine, you need to mix a grated fresh apple with a teaspoon of honey and a large spoonful of oatmeal. The product is kept on the face for a standard time - about 15 minutes, then washed off.

The benefits and harms of apple jam

Apple jam is not only tasty, but also a valuable product for the body. The benefit of apple jam is that it contains a lot of vitamins B, A, E and P, vitamin C and pectins, potassium and iron. Therefore, the properties of the delicacy are in great demand in the autumn-winter period - the jam protects against colds. In addition, the delicacy strengthens blood vessels and the heart, has a good effect on the condition of hair and skin, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

At the same time, the benefits of apple jam are not unconditional - sometimes it also brings harm. It is better not to use the delicacy for ulcers, gastritis and other gastrointestinal ailments. There are still many organic acids in it, and they are irritating.

Making apple jam is very simple, for this you need:

• take fresh fruit and sugar in equal proportions;
• carefully sprinkle the sliced ​​wedges with sugar in a large saucepan;
• put the container in the refrigerator overnight to let the fruit juice;
• in the morning, place the saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes after boiling.

Once again, the procedure must be repeated in the evening and in the morning the next day, and on the second evening, boil the treat for about 15 minutes and then roll it up in sterile jars.

The benefits of frozen apples are no less - all useful properties are preserved in them in full.

Harm of apples and contraindications to use

Sometimes even the beneficial properties of the fruit can be very harmful. They must be used with caution:

• with allergies - coloring pigments in the pulp and especially in the peel can cause a strong negative reaction of the body;
• with diabetes and obesity - fruits contain a lot of sugars and carbohydrates, therefore, lead to an increase in blood glucose;
• with acute ulcer or gastritis - sour varieties irritate inflamed mucous membranes, so such fruits must be removed from the diet;
• with a tendency to flatulence and intestinal problems - fruits contribute to increased gas production.

It is also necessary to take into account the benefits and harms of apples before bedtime - in the evening, the fruit is perceived by the body individually. For some people, an apple can be a great low-calorie late dinner, while for others it will only cause discomfort in the stomach.

How to choose the right apples

Choosing good fruit to buy in a store is pretty easy.

1. The fruits should be strong and neat in appearance - no dents, black spots, stale barrels.
2. Good quality fruit should give off a pleasant, light aroma.
3. When buying, it is better to choose medium-sized fruits - too large fruits are often overripe.

You should be careful when approaching overly beautiful apples that glisten with glossy sides on store shelves. Most often, such fruits are treated with wax compositions for long-term storage - this does not add useful properties. It is impossible to use such fruits together with the peel, but it is better to give preference to fruits from the market or store fruits without an unnatural shine.

How to store apples

In order for the fruits to retain their beneficial properties in the refrigerator for a whole month, the fruits must be packaged in plastic bags with holes made for ventilation. In addition, in winter apples can be stored on the balcony at temperatures up to -1 ° C, in which case it is advisable to put them in a box with low sides, after wrapping each fruit in thick paper.

The longest storage is ensured by freezing apples - for this they need to be cut into slices, put in a suitable container and sent to the freezer at - 23 ° C for 3 hours. After that, the temperature in the freezer can be set to - 18 ° C and frozen up to a year. The benefits of frozen apples will be the same as those of fresh fruits - their properties will not change.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of apples are not the same for everyone, sometimes it is better to refrain from eating fruits. But for most people, apples offer clear benefits and health benefits.