Apples: the benefits and harm, composition and rules of use

Apples contain many active substances that contribute to better health. From our material you will learn about the benefits, harm, chemical composition and proper use of these fragrant fruits.

Apples are quite popular. Not only many adults, but also children love to eat these juicy fruits. Interestingly, apple trees spread throughout the world from Central Asia. Currently, these trees grow almost everywhere.

The content of active substances and trace elements in sweet fruits may be different. This is determined by the plant variety. Most of the substances found in fragrant fruits are beneficial for the body. Getting into the internal environment of the body, they help to improve the functioning of cells, which leads to the normalization of the functioning of internal organs.

So, sweet fruits contain:

• natural sugars: glucose, fructose;
• pectins;
• vegetable proteins;
• apple cellulose;
• vitamins: group B, ascorbic and nicotinic acids, biotin, tocopherol;
• minerals: potassium, sodium, magnesium, iodine, fluorine, iron, manganese and others;
• phytoncides;
• antioxidants.

Contains juicy apple pulp and polyphenols. These substances consist of multiple molecules and determine the taste properties of fruits. Many people probably noticed that when cutting or rubbing the apple begins to darken. This discoloration of fruit pulp is due to a biological reaction in which polyphenols are involved. So, the more in the fruits of these biologically active components, the more they darken during grinding.

These fragrant fruits and flavonoids are also rich. These substances are necessary for the body, as they protect it from the development of many diseases. So, with the regular flow of flavonoids into the blood, the contractility of the heart muscle improves and the tone of the blood vessels is normalized. These components also help reduce the risk of developing many cancers (for example, some malignant tumors).

Quartcetin and anthocyanins contained in apples not only give the fruits their specific color, but also bring great benefits to the body. So, these components improve the work of cells, as well as normalize the metabolic processes occurring in them. Also, these active substances help reduce the risk of damage to blood vessels due to various causes.

Phytoncides contained in fruits contribute to the body’s natural defense against various infections. Thus, the use of apples, especially during the season of their ripening, reduces the risk of infection by dangerous infectious pathologies caused by pathogens and viruses.

Many people think that only apple pulp is beneficial. Of course, it contains many minerals and active substances. However, to improve health, you can use not only the pulp of the apple, but also other parts of the fruit.

So, apple seed contains a lot of vegetable iodine. This mineral is necessary for the good functioning of the thyroid gland and the normalization of metabolism. Also in these fruit seeds contains a lot of fatty oils. These components affect the lipid balance in the body, leading to a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.

Apple seeds are also rich in potassium. This component helps to strengthen the myocardium (muscular heart wall). Potassium also ensures good kidney function and helps to maintain an optimal level of blood pressure.

When using apple seeds should be aware that some of the active substances that they contain, can in certain situations and harm the body. So, in seeds of apples amygdalin contains. If ingested in large quantities, this substance can cause many adverse symptoms and even lead to poisoning. That is why it is impossible to consume large amounts of apple seeds.

Apple peel is also useful. It contains not only polyphenols, which contribute to the improvement of metabolic processes, but also other biologically active components. So, they contain a lot of vegetable fibers - substances that contribute to the normalization of the large intestine. It should be noted that when eating apples with peel, they should be thoroughly washed beforehand. Some manufacturers treat fruits with chemicals to prolong their shelf life. So, apples can be processed with sulfur dioxide. In some people, this substance may trigger allergic symptoms.

Even apple blossoms and leaves are good for health. So, in the leaves of the apple contains a whole range of active ingredients that improve the functioning of the human body. Apple leaves can be used for the preparation of therapeutic infusions and decoctions. These natural remedies help to reduce pain in the stomach and have a tonic effect on the body.

Infusion made from apple leaves can also be used to improve the functioning of the respiratory system. This drink helps with bronchitis, and also helps get rid of hoarseness. Drinking apple tea can also be people who suffer from insomnia.

It is necessary to use such natural infusions, remembering precautionary measures. So, to use these drinks have a number of contraindications. They should not be used by people suffering from thrombophlebitis, as well as in pathologies accompanied by increased blood clotting.

The fact that apples benefit the body, many people know. It is no coincidence that many people who regularly use these fragrant fruits note that, against the background of such consumption, they began to seek medical advice less often. Apples can be eaten not only to healthy people, but also to those who have chronic diseases.

Regular use of these fragrant fruits is a good prevention of many dangerous diseases. So, for people who eat apples daily, the risk of developing age-related degenerative diseases of the brain and heart disease is almost halved. American scientists have found that these fragrant fruits also contain substances that positively affect the functioning of the brain. So, they proved that eating apples in certain dosages helps reduce the adverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia.

Apples are rich in herbal ingredients that improve the work of the digestive system. These substances have a stimulating effect on the tone and peristalsis of the intestine, leading to an improvement in its motor function. This action contributes to the fact that a person eating apples, normal stool. Eating fresh apples is an excellent prevention of constipation.

Of course, fresh apples contain many active substances that improve human health. However, even after thermal processing, many useful components remain in the fruit. Baked apples with cinnamon is not only a delicious dessert, but also a dish that brings great benefits to the body.

Apples are consumed by many athletes. They value these fruits not only for their taste, but also for their special properties. So, in these fragrant fruits contain a specific substance - ursolic acid. It promotes muscle recovery after debilitating physical exertion. The content of this acid is maximum in the peel of apples, its pulp contains slightly less. That is why people who actively train or professionally play sports, eat apples better with the peel.

Apples are rich in ingredients that help slow the development of atherosclerotic changes. Atherosclerosis is a rather dangerous pathology, as it often occurs with the development of complications. Atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels occur with the appearance of blood clots, which narrow the lumen of the arteries. The more blood clots in the vessels is present, the higher the risk of developing dangerous vascular diseases. Apples contain a whole range of active substances that slow down the rate of blood clot formation in arteries.

Eating apples helps prevent the development of myocardial infarction. This pathology is often recorded in people of mature age. Heart disease, according to statistics, more often detected in men. The systematic use of apples helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease in the stronger sex.

Interestingly, apples also contain active substances that can affect the state of the immune system. People who regularly consume apples tend to get sick less often. Immunity is strengthened by antioxidants and vitamins, which are found in large quantities in these fragrant fruits. There are apples for immunity can be all family members.

Apples are useful fruits that help improve the flow of digestive processes. So, the fruits contain a lot of organic acids. These substances affect the acidity of gastric juice, as well as the production of digestive secretions by the secretory organs. Also in the fragrant fruits are substances that contribute to improving the elimination of bile. Such a complex effect on the work of the digestive system leads to the fact that digestion improves.

Apples can be used even for people suffering from certain pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. So, these fruits are allowed to use in inflammatory pathologies of the stomach, liver and intestines. However, this fragrant fruit should be subjected to heat treatment. Thus, in case of a number of chronic diseases, only baked fruits can be consumed, since they contain almost no substances that could provoke the worsening of such pathologies.

These juicy fruits are rich in oxalates. These substances can affect urination. Apples should be included in your diet for people who carefully plan their meals, as with regular use of these fruits containing oxalates, the pH of urine changes. Such changes are a good prevention of the development of urolithiasis and other diseases of the urinary system.

These fragrant fruits are also rich in substances that contribute to the elimination of toxic substances from the body. These components gradually accumulate in the body, which can lead to the development of dangerous pathologies. Eating fresh apples and their juice helps cleanse the body of metabolites that accumulate in it.

Apples, especially when fresh, are very beneficial for women. These fruits contain a lot of iron. This substance helps to improve blood formation, which is manifested by an increase in hemoglobin.This contributes to the prevention of the development of dangerous pathological conditions, one of which is iron deficiency anemia. This pathology, unfortunately, is not rarely detected in women of reproductive age.

Fragrant fruits are rich in antioxidants. These substances help protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. So, eat juicy fresh apples should be while on vacation at sea or in summer. People who regularly eat these fragrant fruits also improve skin tone and elasticity. It is no coincidence that apples are used by many women not only for culinary purposes, but also for the preparation of homemade cosmetic masks. Such homemade fruit products help to improve the appearance of the skin and slow down the appearance of age-related changes in the skin. So, after a course of application of such fruit masks, the skin color improves, its tone is restored and even wrinkles are reduced.

Apples are very good for the body, but in some situations, their use can be harmful. Adverse symptoms usually develop in people who eat these fragrant fruits, despite the presence of contraindications to their use. So, apples are contraindicated for people who are allergic. Most often the appearance of allergic symptoms contributes to the use of red and yellow fruit. However, in exceptional cases, allergies can occur after green apples. If a person has been identified allergic pathology, then in the future from the use of these fruits he should be abandoned.

Apples are also contraindicated in people with individual intolerance to these fruits. This pathology is usually detected already in childhood after the first use of these fragrant fruits.

Caution in the use of apples, especially fresh ones, should be observed for people suffering from gastritis with high secretion. In these fragrant fruits are organic acids - substances that affect the work of the digestive system. Thus, the use of apples can trigger the appearance of pain in the stomach, as well as heartburn or other dyspeptic manifestations.

Fresh apples, especially sour ones, should not be eaten by people suffering from peptic ulcer. The presence of unhealed erosions and ulcers is a strict contraindication to the use of fruits that contain acids. The use of acidic fruits can cause a worsening of the disease, as well as lead to the development of its dangerous complications.

Fresh apples are contraindicated in case of exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis. In the acute period of the disease, the work of the pancreas worsens, therefore, in the period of acute pancreatitis, you should not use fresh apples.

Apples also contain substances that can cause pain in the teeth. Such an unpleasant symptom, as a rule, develops in people who have a high sensitivity of tooth enamel to the effects of various substances. In order to reduce the risk of this symptom, after eating fruit or juice, mouth should be rinsed well with water.

Each variety of apples is good for the body. Green fruits are tremendously beneficial. There are practically no substances in them that can lead to the appearance of allergic symptoms.Such fruits can be eaten by people who have a pronounced tendency to develop food allergies.

Green apples are allowed to use for the preparation of fruit dishes for kids. Thus, the juice and puree of such green fruits can be introduced even into the diets of infants. A child who consumes such green fruits, normal stool and strengthens the immune system.

Green apples contain less sugar than red and yellow fruits. Such fruits are better for people who suffer from diabetes. Because of their low calorie content, these varieties of apples are often eaten by people who watch their weight or are on a diet.

Many people love yellow apples because of their taste and aroma. As a rule, these fruits contain slightly more sugars than green ones, but their caloric content is also low. Such fruits can be eaten both fresh and dried. In dried fruit, many minerals are preserved that enhance the body’s performance.

Red apples contain quite a lot of sugar. Such fruits are great for making various desserts because of their high fructose content. So, red apples can be used to make fragrant baking, jam or salad.

Saving apples for several months is quite difficult. However, there are still several ways: for example, the preparation of wet fruits. Soaked apples also contain many substances that improve the body during the cold period of the year. In order to prepare this snack, you can use apples of different varieties. Some love sweetened fruit sweeter, others prefer sour fruit.

People have been cooking steamed apples since ancient times. Fruits were usually harvested in large tubs at once for the whole family. Baked apples helped maintain good health and maintained health in the winter when there was no fresh fruit. Boiled apples - a snack that is prepared to this day. However, many hostesses no longer use large tubs. They prepare this snack in glass jars. In this dish there are many vitamins that are necessary for the good functioning of the cells of the body.

Apples contain very few calories, so they are used in the preparation of even a diet menu. It should be noted that the amount of nutrient nutrients in fruits may depend on their variety. Thus, the energy value of green apples "Granny Smith" is 47 kcal per 100 grams. At the same time, this amount of fruit contains 0.41 g of proteins, 0.4 g of fat and 9.6 g of carbohydrates. In one medium-sized fruit contains about 100-120 kcal. 100 grams of yellow apples of the Golden variety contain 0.45 g of proteins, 0.21 g of fats and 10.6 g of carbohydrates. 100 g contains 54 kcal.

The content of nutrients may also change after heat treatment. Thus, the calorie content of baked fruits, as a rule, is higher than fresh ones. Again, the calorie content is determined by the variety of apples. If during the preparation of baked apples any sweet additives are added, then the calorie content of the finished dish will be more.

Thus, 100 grams of apples baked with honey contain 100-130 kcal. If dried fruits or nuts are added to baked apples, then the caloric content can even double. This should be remembered by people suffering from obesity or simply carefully controlling any weight changes.

Fruits contain quite a lot of carbohydrates.However, apples can be included in the diet even for people who are obese or have a few extra pounds. Eating such fruits also helps reduce the risk of additional centimeters on the waist and hips.

Apples are rich in fiber - a substance that helps to normalize the work of the intestine. They also contain active substances that help improve the rate of metabolic processes. This effect helps to improve the metabolism, which leads to the fact that the processes of weight loss are more intense.

Fresh apples are rich in ingredients that help remove excess water from the body. This specific “drainage” action helps reduce swelling. Stagnant fluids in the body leads to the fact that weight loss is slower.

Apples contain few calories, especially unsweetened varieties. The glycemic index of these fruits is 30 units. This value is not high, so you can use these fruits even for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Moderate consumption of fruits with such glycemic index values ​​cannot provoke the appearance of extra pounds.

People who watch their weight, remember that they have better fresh fruit. They contain a lot of vegetable fibers and minerals that improve the body. Apple juice, for example, contains quite a lot of calories and carbohydrates. At the same time, this drink contains very little fiber. This drink is quite poorly suited for the diet menu.

These fruits are suitable for carrying out fasting days. So, in one day of such "unloading" you can achieve a loss of 500 grams of weight. Some people note that they managed to reduce their weight by 1.5 kg in a single apple unloading day. During the time of such a “discharge”, not only is weight reduction achieved, but the functioning of the body is also improved.

To spend an unloading day on apples you need only 1.5 kg of fruit. They should be eaten in equal portions at regular intervals. Additionally, you can drink up to two liters of unsweetened drinks on the day of “unloading” on apples.

Apples can also be used to make various dietary desserts. So, from these juicy fruits you can make a delicious fruit salad. For filling this dish, you can use low-fat yogurt. You can decorate the finished apple salad with a small amount of berries.

Also, apples can be used for baking. One baked fruit contains few calories, but it is quite nutritious. You can bake the fruit with cottage cheese or, for example, unsweetened berries. This dish is a great dessert that can not harm the figure.

People who watch their figure when eating apples should be aware of the quantity. If there are such fruits often and in large quantities, then this may contribute to the appearance of weight problems. Apples, despite the low calorie content, still contain carbohydrates. If these nutrients enter the body in large quantities, this can lead to the appearance of additional centimeters on the body.

Apples will bring more benefits to the body, if you eat them in small quantities. Excessive consumption can cause adverse symptoms, as well as cause rapid stool. Sugars and fiber contained in them can provoke the appearance of strong gas formation and even flatulence. Typically, these adverse symptoms occur in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

These fresh fragrant fruits should be consumed by healthy people, as well as those who have no contraindications to their use. In order not to harm your body, a day is enough to eat 1-2 medium sized apples. At the same time, you should definitely monitor your own well-being.So, if, against the background of such consumption, a person has pain in the abdomen and other discomfort symptoms, then the number of fruits should be reduced.

In drawing up a proper diet, it is necessary to take into account the content of active ingredients and nutrient nutrients in each product. So, green apples contain organic acids that promote the digestion of fatty foods. Also, the use of these fruits can help to cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of overeating.

However, it is not always possible to eat fresh apples. In some pathologies, it is possible to eat only fruit that has been heat treated. So, in certain diseases of the digestive system can only eat baked fruit. It is recommended to eat baked apples for people suffering from gastritis, especially if they are chronic.

In inflammatory diseases of the pancreas requires careful selection of the menu. People suffering from chronic pancreatitis are prescribed a special therapeutic diet, which they must follow for life. This pathology is quite insidious, as it has a wave-like flow. Periods of well-being are replaced by exacerbations. Adverse symptoms can be caused by any errors in the prescribed therapeutic diet.

Fruits for people suffering from pancreatitis should be used very carefully. Apples are included in the therapeutic diet, but can only be used during a period of stable remission. There are better fruits in baked form. Fresh fruits, especially sour ones, can provoke the appearance of pain in the stomach and cause a new aggravation.

Apples, if desired, can be eaten in the afternoon. However, it is better to give preference to non-sweet fruits. There are many fragrant fruits in the evening is not worth it, as this can lead to intestinal swelling. It is better to limit to 1-2 small fruits.

A sudden appetite before bedtime often makes you go to the refrigerator. If the desire to eat something too big, then it is better in this case to give your preference to non-nutritive foods. So, for example, in order to cope with a sudden appetite, you can eat one small apple.

Apples contain a variety of nutrients that contribute to the improvement of the children's body. Pediatricians say that fruits must be present in the menu of a healthy child who has no contraindications to their use. European experts believe that eating apples helps reduce the risk of developing many diseases that develop in children and adolescents.

“Acquaintance” with these fragrant fruits occurs quite early - already, as a rule, in the first year of a child’s life. Fruit purees and juices are introduced into the diet of infants after they are six months old. However, in some cases, such dishes can be added to the diet and a little earlier - by 4-5 months.

Apple juice contains many minerals that are necessary for the full growth and development of the child. So, this healthy drink can be added to the diet of the crumbs by the 6th month of its life. In this case, the first dosage should be quite small.So, in order to "acquaint" a baby with a new drink for him, only half of a teaspoon is enough.

Fruit purees made from apples contain quite a lot of plant fiber. It affects the work of the baby's intestines, which leads to the fact that his chair normalizes. Applesauce is usually introduced into the infant's diet by the 7th month of his life. In some cases, this product is added to the menu before. Such recommendations is a pediatrician.

Apple juices and mashed potatoes are healthy products. However, in some cases they can harm the health of the child. So, some kids on apples may be allergic. Usually, the use of mashed potatoes or juice, which are made from red fruits, leads to the appearance of allergic symptoms.

When choosing products for babies should carefully monitor their quality. Before buying ready-made juices and fruit purees, you must check the expiration date. In no case can not purchase products for the baby, if the integrity of the package. Preference is better to give proven products that have a good reputation.

Doctors advise parents of infants not to hurry with the addition of crumbs of apple pieces to their diet. So, to offer a child such a treat can be after he learns to swallow well. If you give the crumbs pieces of apple too early, it can lead to the fact that he starts to choke on them.

As a rule, small pieces of apple begin to give to children by the year of their life. However, such recommendations are only average. Some toddlers of this age still don't chew well enough, so they should be given apple slices a little later. It is better to determine the time when you can offer fruit pieces to your child together with a pediatrician.

For more on the properties of apples, see the following video.