What are the beneficial properties of apples? The benefits of apples for the body: the amazing properties of a familiar fruit

You probably won’t find a person who hasn’t eaten apples – this fruit is considered the most popular, in demand throughout the entire globe. But it began to be cultivated back in the 16th century – even then, 25 varieties of apple trees were grown by humanity.

Chemical composition of apples, their energy value

Nutritional value 100 g:

Calorie content: 47 kcal
Proteins: 0.4 g
Fat: 0.4 g
Carbohydrates: 9.8 g

Dietary fiber: 1.8 g
Organic acids: 0.8 g
Water: 86.3 g
Unsaturated fatty acids: 0.1 g
Mono- and disaccharides: 9 g
Starch: 0.8 g
Ash: 0.5 g
Saturated fatty acids: 0.1 g

Macronutrients:

Calcium: 16 mg
Magnesium: 9 mg
Sodium: 26 mg
Potassium: 278 mg
Phosphorus: 11 mg
Chlorine: 2 mg
Sulfur: 5 mg

Vitamins:

Vitamin PP: 0.3 mg
Beta-carotene: 0.03 mg
Vitamin A (VE): 5 mcg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 0.03 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.02 mg
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic): 0.07 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 0.08 mg
Vitamin B9 (folate): 2 mcg
Vitamin C: 10 mg
Vitamin E (TE): 0.2 mg
Vitamin H (biotin): 0.3 mcg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone): 2.2 mcg
Vitamin PP (Niacin equivalent): 0.4 mg

Microelements:

Iron: 2.2 mg
Zinc: 0.15 mg
Iodine: 2 mcg
Copper: 110 mcg
Manganese: 0.047 mg
Selenium: 0.3 mcg
Chromium: 4 mcg
Fluoride: 8 mcg
Molybdenum: 6 mcg
Boron: 245 mcg
Vanadium: 4 mcg
Cobalt: 1 mcg
Aluminum: 110 mcg
Nickel: 17 mcg
Rubidium: 63 mcg

Apples are not only a source of vitamins - this fruit actually contains a lot of them, and each one is responsible for the normal functioning of the entire body. The product in question also contains micro/macroelements:

phosphorus;
chromium;
calcium;
molybdenum;
potassium;
iron and many others.

Doctors especially value the dietary fiber contained in apples of different varieties - they are responsible for the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. And organic acids and unsaturated fatty acids make the product in question almost irreplaceable - experts recommend eating 2-3 apples a day so that the body can be “saturated” with vitamins, micro/macroelements and other important substances.

But the energy value of apples is low - only 47 kcal per 100 g of product.

Beneficial properties of apples

Everyone knows that all varieties of the fruit in question have high taste qualities - this is probably why apples are considered the most favorite fruit of hundreds of thousands of people. But in addition to gastronomic pleasure, apples have many beneficial properties, which makes them important and necessary for human health. Here are just some of the beneficial properties of apples:

Apple harm

Everyone is so accustomed to the fact that apples are healthy that the question of their harm is not raised at all. Meanwhile, doctors warn that even the most useful product can harm human health. As for apples, you need to remember the following features of this fruit:

They negatively affect tooth enamel because the combination of acid and sugar destroys it - after eating apples, experts recommend rinsing your mouth thoroughly with warm, clean water.
Apples should not be consumed in too large quantities or for a long time, as this can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract - this applies to fasting days and mono-diets.
With peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, gastritis with high/low acidity of gastric juice and chronic colitis, a passion for apples can provoke a deterioration in health and an exacerbation of pathologies.
If a person has a history of any diseases of the cardiovascular system, then red apples should be excluded from the diet altogether - let only green and yellow representatives of this culture be present on the menu.
There is an opinion that apple seeds contain large amounts of iodine. This is true, but they also contain hydrocyanic acid - this is a poison for the body. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat apple seeds at all, but you can eat a maximum of 5 grains per day.
Apples contain quite a lot of sugar, so you should not eat them at night - this will not be a diet food, but a direct path to gaining excess weight. By the way, due to the presence of sugar in apples, they should be consumed with caution by those diagnosed with diabetes.
Apples contribute to increased gas formation in the intestines - this point should be taken into account by those who already suffer from flatulence or are prone to it.

How to choose and store apples correctly

In order not to make a mistake in choosing apples and to buy really tasty, healthy ones, you need to know the varieties of this fruit. And they are divided into:

Summer - trees begin to bear fruit in July-August; they are not intended for long-term storage, but they make the most delicious jams, preserves and compotes. Summer varieties of apples include: white filling, melba, Chinese, borovinka and Moscow pear (these are the most common summer varieties).
Winter ones - they begin to bear fruit at the end of September and are perfectly stored throughout the year. The most common winter varieties of apples include: Antonovka, Calville snowy, Semerenko, Pepin, Orlik and Sinap.

“Overseas” varieties are also actively sold in retail outlets - Granny Smith (bred in Australia, distinguished by its juiciness and sour taste) and Golden Delicious (distinguished by its sweet taste, juiciness and pulp that does not darken for a long time).

The next step in choosing apples is assessing their appearance. If you have already decided on the variety, then pay attention to the following:

apples should be elastic and strong to the touch;
there should be no stains on the peel;
give preference to non-imported fruits - the most delicious and healthy apples are sold from autumn to March;
Glossy, bright imported apples have virtually no useful substances and vitamins.

We bought apples... How to store them correctly? Firstly, you can dry them and enjoy dried fruit compote for a long time. You just need to take into account that dried apples increase their calorie content sharply - you definitely won’t be able to lose weight with them. Secondly, apples are perfectly stored in a cool, ventilated room without light - this could be, for example, a cellar. Thirdly, apples can be placed in a large vessel and simply filled with water - after a while they will acquire the taste of soaked apples, but will not lose any of their beneficial qualities.

Apple is a popular plant of the genus of deciduous trees and shrubs of the Rosaceae family. The most common type in Russia is the domestic apple tree, the fruits of which are consumed fresh or used as a raw material for numerous culinary dishes and drinks.

Central Asia is considered the historical homeland of the apple tree. People have always been in awe of the mysterious fruits of this plant. The fruit of wisdom, which was forbidden to Adam and Eve and became a prerequisite for their expulsion from paradise, is called the forbidden apple. On Olympus, the goddess of discord Eris started the Trojan War by throwing an apple between the gods.

Statistical calculations have shown that half of all fruit trees on the planet are apple trees. Breeders have studied and created more than 10 thousand varieties of apple trees. The single progenitor of this variety of fruit plants is the wild apple tree. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and America. Humanity has definitely paid attention to this amazing tree for a long time. But scientists have not yet been able to establish the exact date of the beginning of the cultivation of apple trees. There is no doubt that the home apple plant dates back thousands of years. The fruit species is mentioned in the documents of Lucius Junius Columella, who was a famous writer and naturalist in Ancient Rome. He stated that the history of the domestic apple tree is already three thousand years old (now a total of 5 thousand years can be counted). Presumably, the plant began to be cultivated in Mesopotamia, where the Sumerian state was formed near the favorable soils of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is reliably known about the popularity of apples in Ancient Greece. Philosopher Theophrastus, active in the 4th–3rd centuries BC. e., in his writings he listed several varieties of plants. After Hellas, the Romans also learned about the fruit culture, and then the apple tree traveled throughout the entire European part of the world. Russia has been familiar with the tree since at least the 11th century, when Yaroslav the Wise created a personal garden with apple trees and other fruit plants.

In addition to the domestic apple tree, more than 35 types of crops are known. Very popular are the plum apple tree, the low apple tree and the Chinese apple tree. The trees are often grown as decorations for parks and gardens, which look especially impressive in the spring. Apple trees are good honey bearers, and their strong wood is easy to polish and can be easily processed, making it an excellent raw material for carpentry and miniature products.

The apple tree has a spreading crown and reaches a height of 2 to 15 meters. Flower buds grow on slightly shortened branches, and elongated branches are called growth branches. Some species of wild apple trees protect their branches with thorns. The petiolate leaves may be pubescent or without a velvety covering; the stipules usually fall off, although there are exceptions. Pink, scarlet or white petals form a half-umbrella or shield. Apple trees bloom in late spring, and the trees delight passers-by with a strong, pleasant aroma. The spherical fruits on the stem usually have a concavity at the top of the fruit. Varieties differ in taste and size of apples, so their radius can be from a few millimeters to 8 cm. Depending on the timing of fruiting, summer, autumn and winter varieties are distinguished, and it is the latter that stand out because they can withstand harsh climatic conditions.

Almost 15 thousand species of apple trees are known in Russia. The forest apple tree is widespread in the European and Caucasian regions. Asia Minor, Crimea and Iran more often export oriental apple trees. The Japanese coast of Eurasia is rich in berry (Siberian) apple trees, and the Tien Shan grows the Nedzvetsky apple tree. The Mississippi basin provides favorable soils for the development of the Soulard apple tree.

Apple cultivation is widely developed in countries with temperate climates without sudden temperature changes. Fertile soils and a sufficient amount of moisture are the modest “rider” of the apple plant. World exporters of the “forbidden fruit” are Germany, Italy, China, Japan, USA, Canada, Spain, Chile, New Zealand. Almost 50% of the apple turnover is made up of the Delicious and Golden Delicious varieties, adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions.

Nutritional and vitamin value of apples

The fruit contains approximately 4/5 water, if you count the proportion of the mass of the entire apple. The remaining 20% is extremely rich in fiber, sugars, organic acids and vitamin complexes A, C, PP, group B and several others.

The nutritional value 100 g apples:

0.44 g protein
0.43 g fat
9.82 g carbohydrates
1.84 g dietary fiber
0.84 g organic acids
86.33 g water
0.144 g unsaturated fatty acids
0.144 g saturated fatty acids
9.35 g monosaccharides and disaccharides
0.82 g starch
0.52 g ash

Vitamins in 100 g apples:

0.032 mg beta-carotene (provitamin A)
5.35 mcg retinol equivalent (A)
10.5 mg ascorbic acid (C)
0.034 mg thiamine (B1)
0.025 mg riboflavin (B2)
0.073 mg pantothenic acid (B5)
0.084 mg pyridoxine (B6)
2.21 mcg folic acid (B9)
0.32 mg vitamin PP
0.41 mg niacin equivalent (NI)
0.245 mg tocopherol (E)
0.32 mcg biotin (N)
2.24 mcg phylloquinone (K)

Energy value of apples

The low calorie content of apples is known all over the world. Nutritionists actively recommend choosing this fruit as the main dish of many types of diets. Apples do not contain fat, and the abundance of carbohydrates in the pulp gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety. It is important for people who are watching their figure to remember the different energy values of apples after processing. The calorie content of apples especially increases after drying.

The calorie content of 100 g of fresh apple is 46 kcal.
The calorie content of a fruit with a diameter of 5 cm (90 g) is 41.4 kcal.
The calorie content of a fruit with a diameter of 6.5 cm (130 g) is 59.8 kcal.
The calorie content of a fruit with a diameter of 7.5 cm (200 g) is 92 kcal.
Calorie content of 100 g of baked apples is 65 kcal.
Calorie content of 100 g of dried apples is 255 kcal.

Macro- and microelements in apples

It is no coincidence that apples are one of the most popular fruits in Russia. They are consumed at any age to replenish iron reserves, as well as potassium, sodium, calcium and iodine. The benefits of apples for teeth, bones, digestive system and metabolic processes are truly enormous. The fruits are even rich in such rare mineral components as boron, selenium, vanadium and rubidium.

Macronutrients in 100 g apples:

16.044 mg calcium (Ca)
278.32 mg potassium (K)
9.044 mg magnesium (Mg)
11.052 mg phosphorus (P)
26.012 mg sodium (Na)
2.035 mg chlorine (Cl)
5.021 mg sulfur (S)

Microelements in 100 g apples:

2.234 mg iron (Fe)
0.153 mg zinc (Zn)
2.03 µg iodine (I)
110.05 µg copper (Cu)
0.0472 mg manganese (Mn)
0.34 µg selenium (Se)
4.32 µg chromium (Cr)
8.02 µg fluoride (F)
6.03 µg molybdenum (Mo)
245.09 µg boron (B)
4.02 µg vanadium (V)
1.03 µg cobalt (Co)
110.05 µg aluminum (Al)
17.03 µg nickel (Ni)
63.04 µg rubidium (Rb)

Beneficial properties of apples

As mentioned above, apples are an excellent component of even the strictest diets due to their low calorie content.
Organic acids in the pulp and skin of apples, together with tannins, fight putrefactive processes in the intestines, relieve flatulence and bloating, remove toxins from the body.
The pectin in apples is a mild and completely safe laxative. To treat constipation, it is useful to eat a couple of sour apples in the morning on an empty stomach. Some components of the fruit reduce the growth rate of cancer cells in the liver and intestines. To combat this, it is recommended not to limit the consumption of apples only to the morning meal, but to add them to lunch. A monthly fasting day with an apple mono-diet is very useful for cleansing the body.
Apple fruits provide the body with a healing effect, regardless of whether it is healthy or not. Fresh apples contain twice as much vitamin A as oranges. The component actively prevents colds and has a beneficial effect on eye function.
The extremely rare vitamin G is contained in apples in a record amount for a fruit. The so-called “appetite vitamin” prepares the body for the digestive process and promotes human growth. The fruits are also very rich in ascorbic acid and B vitamins. Untidy apples contain 8 times more iodine than bananas; oranges are inferior to apples by a thirteen-fold handicap. Apples are actively used to treat goiter.
Fresh apples especially useful together with the peel or after grinding on a coarse grater. Wild fruits are not as sweet as domestic varieties, but they contain ten times more useful components. After eating apples, gastric juice is released abundantly. This stimulates appetite and speeds up digestion, so the fruit is very useful for people who do not have time to eat calmly and carefully chew food.
Ascorbic acid, which is especially abundant in sour fruits, supports the immune system, tightens the walls of blood vessels, removes toxins, and restores strength. Natural antibiotics (phytoncides) from apple pulp destroy influenza viruses, treat rashes on the face, and prevent dysentery.
Potassium and tannins serve to prevent gout and urolithiasis due to the ability to stop the precipitation of uric acid salts. Thus, the humble fruit can even combat kidney stones.
The mild choleretic effect of the fruit prevents diseases of the gallbladder (for example, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis). Freshly squeezed apple juice is especially effective for the above problems: 0.5–1 glass 20 minutes before meals.
After eating apples, a person feels invigorated and refreshed. The low sugar content in fruits allows you to relieve blood vessels and improve your well-being. Sour apple varieties are always recommended for diabetics. During the apple diet, blood cholesterol levels are reduced by 30%. Therefore, “forbidden fruits” are called the strongest purifiers of the blood and lymphatic system. They very quickly cope with hardening of blood vessels and low blood pressure.
Elderly people value the described fruits very much, because their consumption helps with rheumatism, gout, nervous diseases, eczema and skin problems. This occurs due to an increase in the level of uric acid relative to the level of formic acid. Apples effectively strengthen skin, vision, nails and hair.
There is an opinion that regular use of apples and fruit juice prevents destructive processes in the brain and strengthens memory.
Experiments were conducted at the Nottingham Research Institute, the results of which proved: daily consumption of 5 apples reduces the risk of respiratory diseases several times. To this ability should be added the prevention of asthma.
Dentists know that apples are great replace the process of brushing teeth. Of course, you shouldn’t rely only on fruits, since the brush cleans more “professionally”, but one fruit guarantees clean teeth throughout the day. Apples are able to preserve tooth enamel from destruction.
Fresh fruits are recommended for those who suffer from gastritis, colitis, and vitamin deficiency. Baked sweet apples help with chronic constipation and intestinal problems.
Biologically active components found inside apple seeds stop the development of cancer. In addition, 5-6 apple seeds provide the daily requirement of iodine for the body. However, it should be remembered that the seeds contain the poisonous glycoside amygdalin, which breaks down in the gastric juice to form hydrocyanic acid. To reduce possible harm from the seeds, it is best to fry them and sweeten them with sugar. Even with these precautions, you should not consume more than 6 apple seeds per day.

Contraindications for eating apples

It is dangerous to eat apples if you have ulcers and gastritis due to their high content of organic acids. In this case, it would be more correct to eat apples after meals, rather than on an empty stomach.
For urolithiasis and colitis, doctors advise eating apples only in the form of puree.
Eating several apple seeds per day greatly increases the concentration of hydrocyanic acid in the body.
A decoction of apple leaves sometimes causes diabetes.

Apples are the most common fruit in our country. They are not only extremely tasty, but also extremely healthy. Entire books can be written about the beneficial properties of apples. Here we will briefly look at just a few of them.

80-90% of the mass of apples is water. Apples contain:

Sugar (from 5 to 15%).

Fiber (0.6%).

Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, P, E. Apples have 50% more vitamin A than citrus fruits. Apples also contain vitamin B2 - there is more of it in apples than in other fruits. It is also called the “appetite vitamin.” It is necessary for normal digestion and growth.

Carotene.

Microelements: potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, aluminum, boron, vanadium, molybdenum, nickel, fluorine, chromium, zinc!

Starch (0.9%).

Pectins (0.27%).

Organic acids (0.3-0.9%).

So what are the benefits of these substances and apples in general?

10 Health Benefits of Apples

1. Apples reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

Due to their high content of pectin and plant fiber, apples reduce blood cholesterol levels. One apple with peel contains 3.5 g of fiber, which is more than 10% of a person's daily requirement. A peeled apple contains 2.7 g of fiber. Insoluble fiber molecules attach to cholesterol and help remove it from the body. Thus, they reduce the risk of blockage of blood vessels with cholesterol plaques.

In addition, pectin strengthens the walls of blood vessels and helps prevent the development of vascular atherosclerosis.

Eating 2 apples a day reduces cholesterol levels by 16%. And if, in addition, you eat 1 onion a day and drink 4 cups of green tea, then the risk of heart attacks is reduced by 32%.

2. Apples help normalize digestion

The dietary fiber we talked about above not only helps maintain blood cholesterol levels but also prevents constipation. Pectin helps cope with diarrhea (diarrhea). Pectin absorbs toxins and poisons in the intestines, stimulates peristalsis (contractions), and prevents fermentation processes and the formation of gallstones.

Apples are considered a good natural remedy for indigestion. And thanks to their high vitamin G content, they are good to use to increase appetite.

Apples are good to eat to prevent nausea and vomiting.

3. Apples are useful for vitamin deficiency (hypovitaminosis)

Apples are used for vitamin deficiency and anemia, as they contain many vitamins and microelements. From the juice of sour apples, an extract of malic acid iron is obtained, which is used for anemia.

Apple juice contains a lot of hematopoietic elements - iron and manganese. It contains potassium, sodium and calcium in optimal proportions, therefore it strengthens the cardiovascular system well

4. Apples have a general strengthening effect

Apples have a general strengthening effect and increase the body's resistance to radiation. They strengthen the immune system.

Apple juice has a good general strengthening effect. It is very useful for those who lead a sporting lifestyle, as well as people with mental work and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Apple juice is very useful for patients who have had a heart attack and helps them during the recovery period. But it should be remembered that many useful substances that are in freshly squeezed apple juice do not last long (1-2 hours), and in industrial packaged juice and compote they are not preserved at all.

5. Apples are good for diabetes

Despite the fact that apples contain a lot of sugars, they are useful for diabetics, since the sugars in apples are mainly fructose, and it does not cause a glut of sugar in the blood (the so-called hyperglycemia).

6. Apples normalize metabolism

Apples restore metabolism, normalize salt balance, help rejuvenate the body and slow down the aging process.

Apple pulp is useful for patients who have undergone surgery. It increases the body’s ability to quickly heal sutures and its immune activity.

7. Apples are good for the brain

The phosphorus macroelements contained in apples stimulate brain activity and strengthen the nervous system. Therefore, if you suffer from insomnia, try eating an apple or drinking a glass of apple juice before bed.

It is useful to give apple juice to a whiny child - it has a calming effect.

8. Apples protect against cancer

Apple peel contains a large amount of the antioxidant quercetin, which, together with vitamin C, prevents free radicals from having harmful effects on the body.

Pectin and insoluble fiber also have anti-cancer effects. They prevent constipation and remove harmful substances from the body. Thus, they reduce the likelihood of developing colon cancer - the scourge of modern civilization, caused by excessive consumption of refined, unnatural food.

9. Apples have disinfectant properties

Apple phytoncides are active against the pathogens of dysentery, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus, and influenza A viruses. The antimicrobial activity of phytoncides increases from the periphery of the fruit to the center.

Apples exhibit antitoxin properties, disinfect the oral cavity, protect teeth from caries and eliminate bad breath. Moreover, unripe fruits have greater disinfecting properties compared to ripe ones.

10. Apples cleanse the body of waste and toxins

Pectins bind and remove heavy metal salts (arsenic, lead) from the body.

Apples prevent the formation of uric acid. Therefore, they are useful for gout and chronic rheumatism. Thanks to their diuretic effect, apples also help eliminate harmful substances from the body.

Apples contain chlorogenic acid, which, together with pectin, helps remove oxalic acid salts - oxalates - from the body.

Good to know...

It is better to eat apples fresh, since the vitamin C they contain quickly oxidizes in air. In addition, they themselves contain substances that can oxidize vitamin C. And heat treatment leads to the destruction of these substances and a decrease in vitamin C in the body.

Try not to cut the peel off the apples, as this is where they contain a large amount of pectin and fiber.

You should not eat rotten fruits, even if you cut off the rot from them. Even in barely noticeable damage to the fetus, poisons are formed - mitotoxins, which spread throughout the fetus. Mitotoxins have harmful effects on the heart, liver and contribute to cancer.

Are apples good for everyone?

For some diseases, various varieties of apples may be contraindicated.

For example, for patients with gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and gastritis with high acidity, sour apple varieties are contraindicated. People with ulcers should not eat raw apples at all - it is best to replace them with baked or soaked ones. In this case, green apples, peeled and grated, are used as a cure for gastritis.

If you are concerned about colitis or urolithiasis, then apples are best consumed in the form of puree.

The value of apples, among other things, lies in the fact that they are available to us all year round. Popular wisdom says: “One apple a day will keep you away from the doctor.” Eat apples and don't get sick!

The apple is a symbol of vitality and health, love and marriage. This fruit is an excellent culinary raw material for dishes and drinks. There are thousands of ways and recipes for preparing apples. Apples are used in cooking, cosmetology and folk medicine.

Apples are a fruit that is eaten all over the world. The unconditional popularity of apples is due to their availability all year round, good transportability, the possibility of processing and excellent taste. This fruit is native to Central Asia. But this does not prevent the apple tree from growing and bearing fruit in any climatic conditions. There are more than 10 thousand varieties of apples. They differ in taste, color, aroma and shelf life. The composition of apples is determined by the variety, ripeness, growing and storage conditions.

Composition of apple

Most of the composition of apples (86%) is water. Apples are sources of the following substances:

proteins;
fats;
carbohydrates;
vitamins;
minerals;
organic acids;
pectin substances;
tannins;
ash;
water;
saturated fatty acids;
unsaturated fatty acids;
mono- and disaccharides;
starch.

Natural sugars are represented mainly by fructose. Apples contain the following organic acids:

apple;
lemon;
chlorogenic;
Ursolova.

The calorie content of apples is low, on average 45 kcal per 100 grams. The nutritional value of apples consists of: carbohydrates - 12 g, proteins - 0.4 g, fats - 0.4 g. Low calorie content combined with the ability to reduce the digestibility of fats allows apples to be consumed as a dietary product.

The apple contains macroelements: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium. Do apples have iron? - even children know. The presence of iron in sufficient quantities allows apples to be used to treat anemia. The presence of other microelements is represented by: iron, iodine, fluorine, zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt and molybdenum.

What vitamins are contained in apples?

Apples have a rich vitamin composition. Most of the vitamins are located in the apple peel, so it is better not to cut it off. If the apple needs to be peeled, leave as little pulp as possible on the peel. After all, the peeled pulp is no less valuable. Eating raw apples is preferable for quickly vitaminizing the body. After all, heat treatment destroys many vitamins, organic substances and compounds.

Apple seeds have both beneficial and harmful properties. There are undoubted benefits from the presence of active substances, iodine and vitamins. The seeds contain enzymes, the use of which is an accessible prevention of oncology. Possible harm from apple seeds is due to the presence of poisonous hydrocyanic acid in them. It is safe for health to consume no more than four seeds per day.

The chemical composition of an apple is illustrated by this table:

Thanks to the presence of the components presented in the table, apples:

strengthen the immune system;
contribute to the regulation of acid-base balance in the body;
strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
increase appetite;
prevent constipation;
minimize cholesterol levels;
remove harmful substances, toxins and waste;
relieve asthmatic conditions;
are a diuretic;
reduce the absorption of fats;
effective in relieving swelling of the body;
stabilize and maintain blood sugar levels;
have a preventive effect on the development of cancer of the stomach and the entire digestive system;
prevent the appearance of early wrinkles;
strengthen the hair structure.

You need to eat apples with some restrictions.

The apple, along with grapes, bananas, mangoes and oranges, is one of the five most popular and widespread fruits in the world. For our latitudes, apple is the number one fruit. We become familiar with their taste in early childhood and know that the benefits of apples are enormous. Man has been cultivating the apple tree for several thousand years. At the same time, such a fruit that is familiar to us continues to remain a stranger, and instead of benefit, it can cause harm.

Did you know? Scientists continue to argue about the place of origin of the apple tree today (they name Asia Minor, Greece, and Egypt). Most likely, its homeland is in Central Asia (southern regions of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). In the Bronze Age, apple trees spread to the Iranian Highlands (the first apple orchards appeared in Persia), to Asia Minor, and to Egypt. The spread of apples was facilitated by the conquests of the Greeks and Romans. Theophrastus in the 4th–3rd centuries. BC e. described several varieties of apples, and Pliny the Elder - more than twenty. Apple trees are actively spreading throughout Europe - in 1051, an apple orchard was planted in Kyiv by the monks of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. Apple trees came to America with the first European settlers, who took seedlings with them.

Calorie content, composition and nutritional value of apples

Apples, depending on the variety, degree of ripeness and duration of storage, may have different calorie content and different chemical composition. The calorie content of 100 g of apples varies from 35 kcal (for green and yellow varieties) to 52 kcal for red ones. Low calorie content is one of the reasons for the popularity of apples in various weight loss diets. When cooked, calorie content increases(for a baked apple it is 66 kcal, for dried apples it is 243).

Apple– one of the most optimal sources of easily digestible macroelements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus) and microelements (iron, zinc, boron, manganese, iodine, fluorine, molybdenum, selenium, vanadium, nickel, rubidium, chromium) . Apple pulp contains from 85 to 87% water (perfectly refreshes and quenches thirst), monosaccharides, disaccharides, organic acids (including malic and citric). It is not rich in fats and carbohydrates (0.4 and 11%, respectively). A medium-sized apple contains 3.5 g of fiber (about 10% of the daily fiber requirement), 1% pectin and 0.8% ash.

The vitamins in apples are the most striking - in their variety, quantity and duration of preservation (even after several months of storage they do not lose their beneficial properties). This is a group of B vitamins (1-thiamine, 2-riboflavin, 5-pantothenic acid, 6-pyridoxine, 9-folic acid), β-carotene, as well as vitamins A, C, E, H, PP, K, etc. People who constantly eat apples of various varieties throughout the year (there are more than 10 thousand of them in the world) will confirm the correctness of the words: “an apple for lunch - no disease.”

Did you know? The Russian name “apple tree” (Ukrainian “yablunya”) comes from staroslav. “ablon” (gradually “a” transformed into “I”). The Czechs call the apple tree “jablko”, the Poles – “jabłko”. The Slavs probably borrowed the word from the Celts (“abla”) or the Germans (“aplya”). The popularity of apples in Europe was so great that as Europeans became acquainted with other fruits, they were given names derived from apples (“Chinese apple” - orange, “devil’s (earth) apple” - potato, “golden apple” - tomato, etc. ).

Which to choose: red, yellow or green apples

The color of apples is affected by the presence of pigments, chlorophyll, anthocyanins, carotenoids, etc. in the peel. Red, yellow and green apples also differ in taste. Considering the popular wisdom “There is no friend for taste and color,” everyone chooses what he likes. At the same time, in one situation green apples will bring great benefits, in another – red or yellow ones, so it will be useful to know the properties of “multi-colored” apples.

Important! When choosing apples, you need, first of all, to consider fruits grown in your area, and not brought from afar - they contain more vitamins, fewer preservatives and other chemicals. Secondly, it is necessary to evaluate the density of the fruit and the integrity of the peel (so that the apple is hard and elastic). Thirdly, the smell (good apples always have a smell). Fourthly, size (medium-sized fruits are usually the best).

Green apples (Granny Smith, Simirenko, etc.) are often called the healthiest. This is due to the fact that green apples:

hypoallergenic (allergic reactions to them are extremely rare);
contain more ascorbic and malic acid than other apples (improves digestion);
have a low glycemic index (important for diabetics and heart patients);
contain a large number of fibers. The fiber in green apples takes longer to be processed by the body (reduces the feeling of hunger);
rich in pectin (prolong youth);
the lowest calorie among apples (35 kcal).

Red apples (Gloucester, Red Delicious, etc.) are very aesthetically attractive. Rich colors, gloss on the barrels (which traders in the markets carefully create), it would seem to say: “Eat me quickly!” According to chemical indicators, red apples are inferior to green ones:

they are more difficult to digest (less acid content);
they are sweeter (a plus for those with a sweet tooth, but a minus for diabetics and children's teeth).

Yellow apples (Golden Delicious, Banana, etc.) have a pleasant caramel smell. The taste of yellow apples is very different from green and red ones.

Yellow apples:

especially rich in pectin;
contain a lot of sugars;
poor in iron compounds;
promote bile secretion (have a beneficial effect on the liver).

It’s not for nothing that the apple is called the “fruit of health.” The healing and rejuvenating properties of apples have long been known to man. Even the ancient Celts believed that the apple brought immortality, and the Slavs believed in “rejuvenating apples.”

Did you know? The apple is present in many myths and legends, and various customs and traditions are associated with it. In ancient Greek myths, the apple appears many times (the golden apple of discord of the goddess Eris, a symbol of love (the myth of Atalanta), the apples of the Hesperides and Hercules). Among the Germanic peoples, when babies were born, they planted apple tree seedlings; it was also believed that apple trees were protected by the gods - lightning did not strike them (they set up apple orchards in villages).

About the benefits of apples for pregnant women and children

Apples are indispensable during pregnancy because:

The average daily dose is 3-4 medium apples. Considering that apples increase the production of gastric juice, it is better to eat them half an hour before eating the main meal. Fresh fruits can cause gas and colic. In this case, it is advisable to replace fresh fruits with baked or juice.

For women breastfeeding, it is better to limit the consumption of red and yellow apples, because they can provoke an allergic reaction and colic in the baby.

Important! During pregnancy and breastfeeding, green apples will be more beneficial for mother and child - high in vitamins, hypoallergenic, rich in iron, low in calories.

Benefits of green apple for children:

does not cause allergies;
helps train the gums during teething (give a peeled apple slice);
cleanses teeth well of plaque;
less damaging to tooth enamel than red;
provides the child’s body with the necessary mineral complex and vitamins;
Boosts immunity and protects against viruses and bacteria.

The benefits of apples for digestion

When listing the beneficial properties of apples for humans, it should be recalled that apples have traditionally been used as a remedy for stomach disorders (due to the beneficial effects of pectin). Malic and tartaric acids improve digestion and intestinal microflora. To prevent constipation, it is advisable to add baked apples to your menu.

Did you know? There are about 10 thousand different varieties of apples in the world. They differ in size and weight (from 30 to 500 g), shape, color, aroma, taste. Nutritionists have calculated that for optimal health, everyone needs to eat at least 48 kg of apples per year (about half consumed in the form of juice).

The benefits of apples for the cardiovascular system

Potassium and catechins (antioxidants) in apples have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle and improve blood circulation. Soluble fiber (pectin) reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Regular consumption of green apples reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 20%.

Sweet varieties of red apples are contraindicated for people suffering from cardiac dystonia.

Beneficial properties of apples for the gallbladder

Sweet and sour green apples act as a choleretic agent and help with dyskinesia. In case of chronic cholecystitis, you should eat only freshly grated green apples for breakfast in the morning for a month. The next meal or drink should be no earlier than 4-5 hours later. For gallbladder diseases, it is also recommended to drink half a glass of apple juice 20 minutes before. before meals.

The benefits of apples for weight loss

The fiber contained in apples, their low calorie content, pleasant taste and easy availability of this fruit have made apples (primarily green ones) one of the most common components of various weight loss diets. Already 2-3 apples a day or a few glasses of apple juice will allow you to lose excess weight and normalize metabolism in the body.

It should be remembered that:

for peptic ulcers, green apples are contraindicated (you need to consume sweet varieties);
Apples should be grated unpeeled, with the skin on;
apples have a diuretic effect;
for the best effect, they should be fresh, and heat treatment (if necessary) should be minimal.

The benefits of apples for healthy teeth

Apples have great benefits for healthy teeth - saturation with minerals and vitamins, massage of the gums. Once on the road, you can brush your teeth with an apple (use a piece of the pulp as a toothbrush or simply eat an apple and clean your teeth of plaque). But when consuming apples, you should remember that they contain a lot of acids. The effect of acid on tooth enamel in the process of consuming apples (especially sour or sweet and sour) is known - “getting your teeth on edge.” In apple lovers, enamel damage is more common. Dentists advise, after eating an apple, to rinse your mouth (you can use a toothbrush no earlier than 30 minutes due to the softening of tooth enamel by acids. Cheese will help protect it - you should chew a small piece).

Liver Helpers

Regular consumption of apples and apple juice has a beneficial effect on the liver. Chlorogenic acid helps remove oxalic acid and promotes normal liver function. Soluble pectins remove bad cholesterol. Apples are real helpers of the liver in detoxifying the body - removing carcinogens and heavy metals.

The benefits and harms of apple peels and seeds

Apple peel contains the lion's share of vitamins, minerals and oxidants - the benefits of its consumption even exceed the benefits of consuming the pulp: querticin fights inflammatory processes, ursolic acid reduces fat deposits, etc. Therefore, you can often find recommendations to eat the whole apple, with peel and seeds . If the apples are grown in ecologically clean regions, there will be no particular harm from this (unless the apples are coated on the outside with wax with biphenyl - in this case it is necessary to peel all the peel with a knife).

The benefits of apple seeds are due to the presence of:

iodine (the daily requirement can be satisfied with 10 apple seeds) – improves memory, increases tone;
vitamin B17 (amygdalin glucoside or letril) – has an anti-carcinogenic effect, improves the condition of the immune system, increases performance;
potassium (up to 200 mcg) – easily absorbed, important for the functioning of the heart and bones.

Apple grains can also cause harm to the body: the benefits of letril, which is broken down in the body into hydrocyanic acid, can, in case of excessive consumption of apple seeds, turn into harm - lead to hydrocyanic acid poisoning. The use of apple seeds is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The use of apples in folk medicine

Traditional medicine has long used the healing and healing properties of apple trees in its practice. Both the fruits themselves and the leaves, twigs and flowers of trees are used.

Benefits of apple tea

Apple tea is one of the most common remedies in folk medicine for colds, urolithiasis, chronic rheumatism, and sclerosis. This tea contains the entire range of useful substances, like a ripe apple, with the exception of fiber and vitamin C (cannot tolerate heat treatment). You can compensate for this with apple slices, cut into tea, and lemon juice. Regular consumption of this tea will help:

normalize digestion;
regulate pressure;
remove bad cholesterol from the body;
replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals;
reduce excess weight.

Fresh and dried apples, apple buds and flowers are used to prepare apple tea. For taste, add black or green tea, mint, honey, and cinnamon. This tea will be especially useful during diets and for those who adhere to fasts.

Apple leaf tincture for colds

The benefits of apple leaves for the body are obvious: they contain more vitamin C than apple fruits. Infusions of apple leaves are used for gastrointestinal disorders and colds.

Infusion recipe No. 1:

Infusion recipe No. 2:

dry apple leaves (2 tbsp) pour boiling water (2 cups);
15 minutes. insist on a water bath;
cool for 45 minutes and strain;
drink 3-4 times a day, half a glass before meals.

It is effective to gargle with this infusion for laryngitis and sore throat, and you can also rinse your nose.

Did you know? Apple leaves can be fermented and brewed like regular tea. Place fresh leaves on a tray for five hours (to wilt a little), then pass them through a meat grinder, transfer to a glass container and cover with several layers of gauze. Leave for a while (up to 20 hours) in a warm and humid place. After this, the mass will acquire a brownish color and an apple-honey smell will appear. The last operation is to pour it onto a baking sheet and dry it in the sun (oven). A sign of readiness is that when pressed lightly, the tea leaves crumble.

Ointment for healing cracks, wounds and abrasions

Applesauce made from sweet and sour apples has long been used to heal wounds, relieve skin inflammation, and burns. At home, it’s easy to make an ointment from an apple to heal wounds, cracks in the corners of the lips and nipples, and abrasions:

chop (on a grater or using a blender) an apple;
add fat (goose or pork) to the mass (1x1);
Apply to the wound three to four times a day; when cracks are healing, wash the area of skin with baby soap and apply ointment at night.

How to use apples in home cosmetology

Apples are especially useful for women whose bodies are going through menopause (thanks to boron and phlorizin, the risk of osteoporosis is reduced). To the question “What else are apples good for women?” The answer will be - apples help to become even more beautiful, rejuvenate, nourish and refresh the skin.

Home cosmetology uses fruits, apple juice, infusions of leaves and flowers. Directions for use:

washing. Avicenna recommended washing with a decoction of apple leaves to get rid of acne. It will be useful for normal skin to wash with a decoction prepared in a water bath from the peels of green apples and orange peels. For any skin, washing with settled water with the addition of apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon per half liter) is suitable;
massages. The skin of the face and neck is massaged with a cut apple slice. For oily skin you should take sour apples, for drier skin - sweeter ones. A frozen decoction of the leaves works effectively - massage with an ice cube.

A special topic is the use of apple masks. These masks are easy to prepare at home for any skin type.

Universal masks:

Hair masks:

mix a tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of grated apple, apply to damp hair for half an hour. Wash your hair with shampoo;
pour five tablespoons of grated apples with half a liter of warm milk and leave for two hours. Drain off the excess milk and rub the apple into the roots and hair. After half an hour, wash off.

How to store apples in winter

How to store apples in winter is a very pressing question for fruit lovers. Fresh apples are best stored in a cool, dark place. Much depends on the keeping quality of the variety. Summer ones are stored for 2-4 weeks, winter ones - 2-3 months or more. For better storage, you need to select whole, undamaged fruits. Before placing them in cardboard or wooden containers for storage, fruits are not washed (you can wipe them with a cloth with glycerin), they are wrapped in paper and sprinkled with dry sawdust or peat chips.

Important! It is important to determine in time the degree of ripeness of apples and the correct timing of harvesting. Unripe apples will not ripen during storage (like pears or persimmons).

Storage in special pits (up to 50 cm deep) in summer cottages is possible. The bottom of the pit is lined with spruce or pine branches, the apples are placed in a cellophane bag, hermetically sealed and covered with earth.

It is better to store dried apples in glass containers with an airtight lid (do not allow increased humidity).

Frozen apples can be stored in the freezer for up to a year without losing their quality.

Is it possible to eat apples with gastritis?

People suffering from high acidity can eat sweet apples. If gastritis worsens, it is better to switch to baked apples without sugar.

Green apples are used in special diets to treat gastritis. They are grated and eaten daily for the first month (you need to eat early in the morning so that there are 4-5 hours left before breakfast). The next month - take grated apples three times a week, the third - once a week. In this case, you should adhere to the prescribed diet.

Contraindications and harm of apples

Possible harm from apples is small. Overeating them can cause colitis. Addiction to apple mono-diets can also lead to disorders; an abundance of malic acids can provoke inflammatory processes in the gallbladder. Excessive passion for apples will also affect the condition of tooth enamel (thinning).

Did you know? During storage, apples can release ethylene. Thanks to it, the ripening of other fruits nearby occurs at an accelerated rate. This property can be used when ripening pears. Storing potatoes and apples in the same place will shorten the shelf life of the potatoes and cause the apples to develop an unpleasant odor and starchy taste.

You should also know what diseases you should not eat apples for. These are, first of all, peptic ulcers of the duodenum and stomach. For chronic colitis, serious inflammation of the gallbladder and urolithiasis, it is better to use baked apple puree.

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