The apple is a well-known fruit that has become firmly established in our everyday life. Have you ever thought that an apple contains, in addition to ordinary water, many useful substances? The components contained in the fruit of a tree known to each of us are enough to overcome a variety of ailments.

Botanical description

The apple tree can reach a height of up to ten meters; it belongs to the family called Rosaceae. The root system is superbly developed. The trunk has a characteristic brown color, the shoots are green. The leaves are elliptical in shape and have pointed tips. The flower of the tree reaches a size of five centimeters. The inflorescences have an umbrella shape. The fruits of the plant are spherical, their color varies from green-yellow to dark red. Seed size - 7 mm.

The flowering period is spring - the very beginning of summer. The fruits ripen in August - early autumn.

Plant taxonomy

The apple tree belongs to the genus of deciduous trees. It belongs to the family called Rosaceae. The spherical fruits taste sweet, sometimes sour.

Geography of the plant

Perhaps the above-mentioned tree is the most popular among gardeners. It grows in the subtropics, as well as in regions with temperate climates. It is found everywhere in Ukraine and Russia; the apple tree is not uncommon in Central Asia, where it, by the way, comes from. Oddly enough, the leader in apple exports today is the Celestial Empire.

Chemical composition

• galangin and plant polyphenols, which have an antioxidant effect;
• hydroxybenzene, which helps increase “good” cholesterol and reduce “bad” cholesterol;
• components of plant origin that help prevent the development of dangerous brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's;
• fat-soluble compounds that help normalize metabolism, which is extremely important for healthy bones, eyes and skin;
• riboflavin - a component that is so important for a young body and is responsible for normalizing the process of food digestion;
• chromium, responsible for the absorption of carbohydrates;
• normalizing fluid balance in muscle cells potassium;
• the lack of magnesium can be compensated by just one apple fruit;
• a polysaccharide extracted from the fruit of the plant is used to prevent diabetes, as well as to improve the digestion process.

In addition, the fruit contains all kinds of sugars (about 12%), organic acids. As for the latter, they have a beneficial effect on the acid-base balance of human blood.

Ascorbic acid, also contained in apples, helps improve the immune system. They also contain water-soluble vitamins, which are extremely important for metabolism at the cellular level.

In addition to the above substances and components, the plant contains:

• carotene;
• essential oils;
• phosphorus;
• mineral salts;
• iron.

Apple extract is beneficial for people suffering from iron deficiency. Apples are also useful for the thyroid gland, as they help the synthesis of thyroxine and phagocytes.

Beneficial features

An apple is a fruit with few calories. That is why, products containing the above-mentioned fruit can be part of a diet meal that helps you lose weight.

Tannins in conjunction with organic acids normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, stop flatulence and prevent the appearance of bloating. Among other things, the functions of natural cleansing and restoration of the intestines are activated.

The apple is a soft purgative due to the presence of pectin in it. If you suffer from constipation, we recommend eating a few sour apples before meals. There is information that apples can slow down the development of cancer cells in the liver. On fasting days, eating apples is a smart choice.

Vitamin A, which is part of the product, creates a protective barrier in the body against colds and has a beneficial effect on the organs of vision.

“Appetite vitamin” or vitamin G, contained in large quantities in apples, normalizes the digestion process. Some varieties also contain iodine, which is very useful for the prevention of thyroid diseases. The product is most effective when grated fresh. Fresh apples activate the secretion of gastric juice. That is why it is recommended to consume these fruits after quick snacks, when it is not possible to chew food thoroughly.

Apples are effective against gout and in the presence of stones. Apple fruits are also an effective means for removing bile. Apple juice drunk before meals is especially beneficial. Sour apples reduce cholesterol levels and normalize glucose levels.

The chemical compounds contained in apples prevent the generation of uric acid and also promote the breakdown of formic acid. This explains the effectiveness of the product in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, as well as a complex of dermal diseases. The fruits, as noted above, improve vision, promote skin regeneration, strengthen nails and hair. It is recommended to consume these fruits for problems with the central nervous system.

If you have problems with blood vessels, as well as low blood pressure, eat apples, because they will help cleanse the blood and have a very beneficial effect on the lymphatic system. Regular consumption of apple-based products improves memory. The presence of these fruits in your diet reduces the risk of the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases.

Useful qualities of seeds

But not only the fruits of the plant are rich in useful substances. Having carefully studied apple seeds, scientists came to the conclusion that the vitamins, as well as the compounds contained in them, can prevent the development of cancer cells. Just a few seeds eaten, according to some doctors, supply the body with the daily requirement of iodine. However, we should not forget that they contain a very dangerous substance called amygdalin. It releases hydrocyanic acid during the breakdown process. To reduce the danger associated with consuming the seeds, they should be roasted with added sugar. However, some experts believe that the danger is somewhat exaggerated, since the concentration of toxic components in our case is low. Be that as it may, it is recommended to approach the consumption of apple seeds with great caution, not exceeding the daily dose, which is 5-6 seeds per day.

Extract in cooking

Apple extracts are rich in vitamins and various microelements that are so necessary for our body. Unfortunately, apples are contraindicated for people suffering from gastritis, but they can eat them baked. Housewives know many recipes using apples. From the fruits you can get:

1. Drinks and juices.
2. Bakery products.
3. Safe baby food.
4. Healing drugs.

Extract in folk medicine

Traditional healers advise eating apples because they improve skin tone, strengthen hair, and are responsible for replenishing iron reserves. The latter is important for the fair sex, who more often than men feel a lack of the mentioned component. Consumption of phytoproducts from apples is an excellent prevention of influenza, dysentery, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Extract in aromatherapy

Apple oil is widely used in special aroma lamps. Extract vapors contact the dermis, saturating it with vitamins and restoring water balance. With the help of aromatherapy using apple extract, you can remove toxins and waste that accumulate in large quantities in the body. The above-mentioned therapy will help you feel more energetic and better.

Extract in cosmetology

Apple herbal products are highly valued in cosmetology. The popularity of the product is due to the high content of ascorbic acid, as well as fruit acids. Herbal products from apples are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from the negative effects of the outside world. Apple-based preparations can slow down the aging process, improve the color of the skin, restore its firmness and elasticity, and become catalysts for restoration processes. Apple extracts are an excellent remedy against rosacea.

Research by scientists

Experiment No. 1. An interesting experiment was conducted at Florida State University. Almost 200 women aged from 40 to 60 years took part in it. The subjects were divided into two camps. Representatives of the first group consumed 75 grams of dried fruits daily throughout the year. The other group consumed prunes (in a similar amount). Blood samples were taken regularly from the experiment participants at intervals of 3 months, six months and a year from the start of the study. The results were amazing - among the fair sex, who consumed dried apples, the level of “negative” cholesterol decreased, and the level of “good” cholesterol, on the contrary, increased noticeably and amounted to about 4%. In addition, it turned out that, despite the fact that the subjects consumed an additional 200 calories per day, this did not lead to excess weight.

Experiment No. 2. Scientists from Foggy Albion have made an amazing discovery. Researchers have concluded that eating apples is the secret to longevity. By eating one fruit daily, you will be protected, according to scientists, from high blood pressure and heart attack.

After reading the above, you cannot help but agree that the benefits of apples are enormous. However, we should not forget that apple fruits can be harmful. This mainly concerns the unlimited consumption of these fruits. As you know, any product is beneficial if consumed in moderation. The consequence of excessive consumption of apples is an excess of fiber, which negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. A large amount of the mentioned substance is undesirable for ulcers, colitis, and gastritis. It has already been said above that you should be wary of information about the benefits of apple seeds. And although moderate consumption of the product has a very beneficial effect on the quality of teeth, it should be remembered that apples eaten in large quantities can destroy tooth enamel through the action of organic acids. As for extracts, they should also be used with caution - individual intolerance is possible.

1. In Holy Scripture, the apple is a symbol of Knowledge. Having eaten this fruit, the first people learned what Evil means and what Good means.
2. Apple fruits are symbols of peace and harmony in many world cults. Various beliefs attributed this fruit to divine food. The spherical shape of the fruit symbolizes space and the world. The red hue of an apple represents health. Aroma and taste signify the joy of life. And the mythical gods, solving global issues, gathered under the shade of apple trees.
3. According to the Bible, the apple is a symbol of temptation.
4. The Adam's apple for representatives of the stronger sex is an Adam's apple. According to legend, the first man on Earth could not swallow this fruit and choked on it.
5. Many fairy tales, as well as myths, identify the fetus with eternal youth.
6. The heroes of the Russian folk tale "Geese and Swans" are saved by an apple tree.
7. Another folk tale, about the dead princess, identifies the apple with life and death.
8. Our ancient ancestors, who did not have television or the Internet at their disposal, learned about everything with the help of an apple that rolled on a saucer.
9. A popular expression among shooters is “to hit the bull’s eye.” It means accuracy, accuracy of hitting.
10. One day an apple caused a war. This happened when Helen of Troy was presented with an apple as the most attractive and charming woman.
11. Rulers have two symbols of power - the sovereign apple and the scepter.
12. You can often find an apple on the coats of arms of many states - nothing surprising, because, as mentioned above, this fruit symbolizes peace.
13. The world of science couldn’t do without an apple either. Once upon a time, this fruit helped the great Newton discover the law of universal gravitation.
14. The apple also helped the ancient physicist Archimedes, prompting him to a revolutionary thought, which helped to discover the hydrostatic law.
15. Each of us has seen the statue of Venus de Milo. The girl today has no hands, but when she had them, she held an apple.
16. The apple (albeit bitten) has become the symbol of one very popular company, the name of which we will not indicate here, since it does not need unnecessary advertising.
17. The first tree planted by American settlers in what is now New York City was the apple tree. The informal name of the city is Big Apple.
18. There is a widespread belief among jazz musicians that a concert in New York is equal to conquering the musical Olympus. Consequently, the apple hints to us about opportunities that we should definitely try to use.
19. The capital of the former Kazakh SSR was called Alma-Ata, which translated into Russian literally means “father of apples.”
20. The famous English writer was inspired to create detective masterpieces thanks to apples. As you probably guessed, we are talking about Agatha Christie.
21. The Slavs had an interesting tradition - giving the mother of a newborn an apple fruit. It was believed that this would help the baby recharge with vital energy.
22. Many nutritionists recommend eating apples for those who have no appetite. The fruit triggers processes in the body that cause a desire to eat.
23. If you need to cleanse the blood, then you can’t find a better remedy than apples!
24. Until the nineteenth century, Europeans, mainly Germans and French, decorated Christmas trees with apples. For the role of Christmas tree decorations, they chose fruits that were distinguished by their juiciness and had rich shades. However, it all ended in the middle of the century before last, when there was a poor apple harvest and French glassblowers came up with glass balls that imitated apples, and this is how modern New Year’s toys appeared.
25. There are seven and a half thousand varieties in the world. Breeders are not going to stop there.
26. The height of apple trees can reach fifteen meters, but for convenience, short varieties of trees were bred.
27. As the story goes, apples became objects of inspiration for poets, artists, and singers.

Methods of application

The product is used if you are overweight. They make a special cocktail. Mix several juices - apple, melon, tomato, and lemon. This drug can also be used for vitamin deficiency and anemia. Persons suffering from atherosclerosis, obesity, gallbladder disease are recommended to take the above-mentioned juice 1/2 cup before meals 15-20 minutes.

The apple is the fruit of the tree of the same name, a garden crop popular throughout the world. The appearance is characterized by a spherical shape and thin, smooth skin, which, depending on the variety, when ripe, turns into various shades of yellow, red and green. For culinary purposes, the pulp with an intense astringent sweet and sour taste and characteristic aroma is used.

Kinds

Currently, there are about 20 thousand types of apples, differing in size, shape, weight from 70 to 400 grams, color, taste and aroma.

Calorie content

100 grams of apples contain about 52 kcal.

Compound

The chemical composition of an apple is characterized by a high content of carbohydrates, fiber, pectin, fats, organic acids, ash, as well as a number of vitamins and minerals.

Use

Apples are very popular all over the world. The number of recipes for dishes and drinks using these fruits is impossible to count, ranging from marinades to natural juices. In addition to cooking, apples, due to their beneficial properties, are very widely used in medicine and cosmetology.

What goes with it?

Apples go well with sour and sweet fruits, as well as fermented milk products and non-starchy vegetables and herbs. In addition, they are compatible with foods rich in fat, such as cheeses, eggs or nuts.

Beneficial features

In addition to their wonderful taste and aroma, apples are distinguished by the presence of many beneficial properties. These fruits are recommended for the treatment and prevention of a huge number of diseases, ranging from hypertension to urolithiasis.

Apple juice helps normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular, digestive and genitourinary systems, and also perfectly tones the body, while quenching thirst.

How to choose

Since the amount of nutrients in apples depends on their shelf life, the choice of these fruits should begin with the country of manufacture. Apples grown in your region should come first. Only then can you pay attention to the fruits brought.

The next selection criterion is the aroma and integrity of the peel. The apples should smell delicious, and their skin should look intact, smooth and without visible darkening. You should also pay attention to the size, since large apples are often overripe.

Storage

The ideal place to store apples is the refrigerator, since this fruit is better preserved in the dark and cool. When cut, it very quickly loses not only its original appearance, but also its beneficial properties. This is caused by exposure to oxygen in the air. It starts the oxidation process, due to which it is not recommended to store cut apples at all.

Apple- the fruit of the apple tree, one of the most accessible and at the same time valuable food products, a real storehouse of minerals and vitamins. This fruit contains everything that our body needs every day for normal functioning.

Apple is a dietary product that is especially good to use for vitamin deficiency, anemia, digestive disorders and metabolic disorders. And it is no coincidence that these fruits are called “rejuvenating” in Russian folk tales: it has been scientifically proven that apples are a necessary component of the diet of centenarians.

Origin

If we start from religion (in particular, from the biblical legend about the forbidden fruit), then apples are as old as our world. Scientists believe that apple trees originally grew in the area between the Black and Caspian Seas, from where they were later “dispersed” by humans throughout the world. Despite the fact that there are about 7,500 varieties of apples, most of them come from the wild dwarf apple tree and the berry apple tree, both of which people have bred since ancient times.

The nutritional value

Apple is a dietary product. One fruit contains only 47 kcal, 0.4 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 9.8 g of carbohydrates. Apples are 85% water, which helps replenish fluid loss in the body.
The beneficial properties of apples are evidenced by their composition - they are the most accessible source of various minerals and vitamins. Different varieties contain about 22.4% vitamin C, 0.8-2.3% vitamin B1, 0.05% vitamin B2, 0.08% vitamin B6, 0.03% carotene, 5-15% sugars, 0 .6% fiber, 0.8% starch, 0.27% pectin and 0.3-0.89% organic acids. The composition of apples is also rich in microelements such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, fluorine, copper, sodium, chromium... And the peel of the fruit contains flavonoids.

Use in cooking

The scope for culinary experiments with apples is enormous. In addition to the fact that they are pleasant and tasty to eat simply fresh - whole or in salads, these fruits can be subjected to almost all types of heat treatment. At the same time, the taste of apples remains excellent.

Apples are soaked, baked, dried, pickled, canned, stewed, flambé... Apples are also used to make compotes, juices, cider, marshmallows, marmalade, and delicate fillings for baked goods. These fruits are an excellent addition to meat and poultry dishes (classic examples are goose or pork with apples). And kids love applesauce.

Application in medicine and cosmetology

Apples are one of the powerful antioxidants that protect human lungs from harmful impurities in the air. People who regularly eat apples are less susceptible to respiratory diseases than those who do not like these fruits. Fresh apples are good to use to prevent atherosclerosis, vitamin deficiency, low levels of vitamin C, anemia, and to stabilize blood sugar levels. Decoctions are useful to drink for gout and rheumatism; Apple juice strengthens the cardiovascular system. And 5-6 apple seeds replenish the body’s daily need for iodine.

Apples can be used to make cosmetic masks for the skin that prevent the appearance of wrinkles, as well as masks to stimulate hair growth.

Contraindications

Some varieties of apples are contraindicated for people with various diseases. So, people with gastric or duodenal ulcers, as well as gastritis with high acidity, should not eat sour raw apples. The acid contained in apples irritates the mucous membranes of organs. But for gastritis with low acidity, on the contrary, you need to eat just such apples and not touch sweet varieties.

For those who are concerned about colitis or urolithiasis, it is better to get used to consuming apples in the form of puree. You should not drink brewed apple leaves (this may cause signs of diabetes) and abuse apple seeds (they contain dangerous hydrocyanic acid).

Interesting Facts
There is probably no person who has not tried dried apples at least once. Not surprising,
After all, drying is one of the most ancient forms of fruit preservation. With this kind of “processing”
Moisture evaporates from apple slices, and in return natural sugar is concentrated in them.
Thus, dried apples become an excellent source of carbohydrates, which in the body
human beings are quickly converted into energy. But at the same time, dried apples become less
dietary product: they contain 6 times more calories than fresh ones. And also
They have a lot of fiber and are rich in iron. But there is also a minus: in the process
Drying apples completely lose vitamin C.

Properties. By the way, these substances are concentrated to a greater extent in the skin of the fruit, so unpeeled fruits are healthier. Apples can alleviate symptoms of asthma and Alzheimer's disease; they are useful for losing weight, strengthening bones, and improving the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems.

Do you think that this is all the healing properties of apples? You are wrong! It is not for nothing that all over the world these crispy fruits with ruddy sides are considered magical food.

What kind of fruit is this?

The apple is the fruit of a tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Researchers suggest that the first gardens of these trees appeared on the fertile soil of the mountain ranges of Kazakhstan. Archaeologists have found evidence that back in the 7th millennium BC, people already knew and ate apples. Over many centuries, thousands of varieties and hybrids of this crop have appeared. Some of them were brought out by nature itself, some are the work of man. The color, shape, taste and aroma of the fruit are determined by the variety.

All apple trees are usually divided into several varieties:

• summer (ripen in July);
• autumn (ripe in September);
• winter (ripen by the end of autumn).

The most popular summer varieties

• White filling - rounded fruits, first greenish and then almost white, aromatic, with loose pulp and sour taste;
• Melba - rounded-elongated, yellowish with a blush, with white sweet and sour pulp and the smell of candy;
• Mantet - green-red fruits of a rounded-oblong shape, cream-colored flesh, not sour;
• Moscow pear - flattened fruits, pale green with a pinkish blush, fragrant, juicy and sour;
• Candy - round, with a red blush and delicate white pulp.

Autumn varieties

• McIntosh – green-yellow with purple stripes, white flesh with reddish veins, spicy;
• Streifling - green-yellow with characteristic brown-orange stripes, the flesh is pale yellow, juicy, with a raspberry flavor;
• Glory to the winners - a hybrid of the White filling and the McIntosh variety, green with a red blush, the flesh is aromatic and creamy;
• Zhigulevskoye - yellow with red stripes, the flesh is creamy, grainy, sour.

Winter varieties

• Antonovka - yellowish-golden, the flesh is white, sour, crispy;
• Jonathan - yellow-green with a red blush, sometimes covered with a mesh, the flesh is juicy, cream-colored;
• Saffron pepin – round, greenish-yellowish, creamy flesh, wine-sweet, aromatic;
• Golden Delicious - conical fruits, golden, juicy, creamy flesh;
• Sinap Orlovsky - oblong fruits of golden color, with sourish pulp.

Nutritional value

Over the past few years, scientists have made many discoveries about the chemical composition of apples. The complex of phytonutrients in these fruits is much wider than previously thought. One of the main phytonutrients is called quercetin, the main reserves of which are concentrated in the peel. The fruits also contain no less useful kaempferol and myricetin. Red varieties are rich, which also accumulate mainly in the peel. Since most of the polyphenols contained in apples have antioxidant properties, it is not surprising that research shows the beneficial effects of fruit on the body.

Vitamin C found in apples is also a powerful natural antioxidant that can block some cell damage caused by free radicals. The complex is important for maintaining the health of the nervous system and creating red blood cells. Fiber is useful for improving digestion, preventing many diseases, and maintaining cholesterol within a healthy range. And phytonutrients prevent malignant cell degeneration.

Benefits for the body

Laboratory experiments prove that the phytonutrients and antioxidants contained in apples reduce the risk of developing cancer, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, heart and vascular diseases.

Numerous scientific studies indicate that these fruits are among the healthiest and should be included in the daily diet of people who care about their health. Here are just some of the benefits of these fruits tested by researchers.

Impact on neurological health

More than 10 years ago, scientists discovered quercetin in apples. This substance belongs to antioxidants, and is found in fruits in extremely rich quantities. Through scientific experiments, it was found that this chemical compound prevents the death of nerve cells caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons.

Another study found that apple juice stimulates the brain's production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease. Another experiment convinced scientists that people who eat these fruits are less likely to develop dementia. It was also found that apple juice prevents brain aging, protects organ cells from free radicals, and prevents Parkinson's disease.

Stroke Prevention

Almost 10 thousand men and women took part in the study, which lasted more than 20 years. Summarizing the results, scientists suggested that apple lovers are less likely to develop a stroke.

Healthy cholesterol levels

After another experiment, American scientists called apples miracle fruits. Researchers have noticed that if you eat several fruits daily, the so-called “bad” cholesterol decreases by 23%, and “good” cholesterol increases by 4%. It took the experiment participants six months to achieve this effect.

Anemia protection

Due to their rich iron content, apples are one of the most popular medicines against anemia in folk medicine. The cause of anemia is a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood. The problem can be easily eliminated by including in your diet foods rich in iron, a mineral that is key in the formation of red blood cells.

Apples are an effective and tasty way to treat.

Preventing diabetes

Apples will help prevent the development of diabetes. A study involving almost 200 thousand people showed that people who consumed apples, grapes, blueberries or blueberries three times a week were 7% less likely to develop the disease. Scientists have also determined that the rich content of soluble fiber in apples prevents hyperglycemia (a sharp increase in blood levels).

Benefits for the digestive organs

Excessive accumulation of cholesterol causes the formation of gallstones. Regular consumption of apples prevents this problem. In addition, the apple diet is considered the most effective diet for liver detoxification.

These fruits are also useful for people with intestinal disorders. Fiber from apples will equally effectively relieve constipation and diarrhea, relieve symptoms of irritable bowels, flatulence, and relieve abdominal pain. These fruits are also important for the prevention of hemorrhoids.

Strengthening the immune system

Apples, especially red varieties, contain high concentrations of the antioxidant quercetin. This substance is considered one of the most useful for strengthening the body's protective functions. For this reason, it is important for those with weakened immune systems to include red apples in their diet.

Cancer protection

Every year there is more and more evidence that even 1 apple a day will help prevent breast cancer, tumors in the liver and colon. Researchers explain this phenomenon by the presence of phenolic substances in fruits. These chemical compounds have many beneficial properties. But to enhance the effect, researchers urge you to avoid fruit monotony in your diet - alternate apples with other healthy fruits.

Benefits for teeth

Apples are not a substitute for a toothbrush, but they do offer some benefits for your teeth. In particular, chewing crunchy fruits stimulates saliva production. And it, in turn, has a detrimental effect on the bacteria contained in the oral cavity, thereby preventing the risk of caries.

Healthy eyes

Summing up the results of a long-term study, scientists determined that people in whose diet apples appear regularly and in sufficient quantities are 15 percent less likely to develop cataracts. The reason for this is said to be the antioxidants contained in the fruits.

Benefits for weight loss

Besides the fact that apples are extremely rich in fiber, which is the best way to fight hunger, these fruits have other benefits for people trying to lose weight. Research results show that these fruits speed up metabolism, which means that calories in the body are burned faster than usual, and some of them are not absorbed at all. Millions of people around the world choose apples as a key ingredient in their weight loss diet. In addition, nutritionists have developed several versions of the apple diet designed to help obese people.

Apples in cosmetology: benefits and harms

Fruits crushed into puree mixed with or are an effective remedy for combating age-related skin changes. Apples, being powerful antioxidants, protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, early aging and the formation of age spots. To cleanse and moisturize the skin, you can use slices of fresh fruit (rub your face and wait until the juice is absorbed). Also, the apple-cream mixture is an excellent remedy against pimples, blackheads, and acne. And the natural one can be used as a remedy that restores the healthy pH of the skin (moisten a cotton swab in the liquid, wipe your face). To get rid of dark circles around the eyes and swelling of the eyelids, just apply slices of a juicy apple for 10 minutes (as an option, make a mask of apple cider and puree).

This delicious fruit is also good for hair. Products containing apple concentrate stimulate the growth of curls, strengthen them, make them shiny and prevent baldness.

Moreover, fruit remedies are also effective in eliminating dandruff. The easiest way for apple therapy: rinse your hair with juice or apple cider vinegar.

Methods of use in cooking

Nutritionists say that the healthiest way to eat apples is to eat them raw, and even with the peel. But if you are already tired of raw apples, there are many interesting and tasty variations on the theme of apples in cooking. Here are some of them:

How else to use apples?

Perhaps many housewives have over-salted their soup. There are various tricks for removing excess salt from a finished dish. One of them is with the help of apples. It is enough to boil a couple of fruit pieces in the soup for a few minutes, and they will absorb excess salt.

Apples can also be used as a natural air freshener or as a catalyst for ripening green fruits (place with apples in a paper bag). And if you want to keep the bread fresh for longer, put the pastries and a slice of apple in an airtight container.

Potential dangers of fruits

Generally, apples do not cause any serious side effects. But it is important to know that the seeds of these fruits contain amygdalin, which can cause the formation of cyanide, which is a powerful poison. Although a couple of seeds is certainly not dangerous, excessive consumption can even be fatal. Chemists calculated the lethal dose of cyanide: 1 mg of the substance per 1 kg of body weight. 1 kilogram of apple seeds contains almost 700 mg of cyanide. Thus, 100 g of seeds can be a fatal dose for a 70 kg person. But in practice, it is almost impossible to eat such an amount. One apple seed weighs approximately 0.7 g, which means you would have to eat 143 seeds to get a lethal dose of cyanide. And if you consider that 1 apple contains no more than 8 seeds, it turns out that death is possible only if you eat 18 apples with seeds in one sitting.

Sour apples pose a potential danger to teeth. The acid contained in the fruit causes damage to the enamel. Dentists advise chewing such fruits with your back teeth, first cutting off small pieces with a knife. And immediately after a snack, you need to rinse your mouth with water to wash away unnecessary acid and sugar.

Another possible disadvantage of apples is pesticides. To get rid of the “chemistry”, it is enough to wash the fruits well under running water.

How to choose and store correctly

Rule number one: look for firm fruits with rich color. Taste is important - pay attention to the gastronomic characteristics of the variety.

Ripe fruits can be stored for several months. The variety is also a key factor. Low temperatures (up to 2-4 degrees Celsius) and high humidity are ideal conditions for storing fruits.

When purchasing or harvesting apples for storage, it is important to carefully inspect each fruit and immediately remove rotten or fallen apples from the boxes. Bruised fruits release substances that speed up the spoilage of healthy fruit.

Apples are called one of the most popular and delicious fruits on the planet. People remember them when they need to quench hunger or thirst; they are consumed as dessert and as an ingredient for main dishes. The benefits of apples were known to the ancient Greeks, Romans and Scandinavian tribes. They were valued in Asia and the Americas. Today it is difficult to imagine life without apples and delicious juice from these fruits.

Apples have long been famous for their amazing taste and many beneficial properties. It’s not for nothing that they were called “rejuvenating” in Russian fairy tales. In ancient Rus' they were endowed with a special sacred meaning: they were considered a symbol of chastity, hope, a symbol of life and fertility. These fruits are literally woven into Russian folklore and cultural traditions. What is the value of the great Slavic festival of the first harvest - Apple Savior - worth? It was on this day that various culinary products made from apples were served to the table. In many villages this tradition can be found to this day.

The juicy fruits of the apple tree, which have an amazing taste, are unforgettable by us since childhood, and are endowed with a lot of nutrients. Let’s look further at the health benefits of “paradise” fruits.

Chemical composition and calorie content

The beneficial properties of apples are determined by the rich chemical composition of the fruit. Nutritional value is represented by proteins, carbohydrates, fats and dietary fiber. There are a lot of different acids in the apple: malic, citric, tartaric, and polyunsaturated mono-acids, pectins, sugars, vitamins and minerals.

They are also low in calories. 100 grams of fruit contains only 47 kilocalories.

In addition, apples contain a lot of potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, fluoride, zinc, boron, etc. The lack of most of these substances in the body leads to serious health problems, dysfunction of systems and organs. But certain groups of substances in apples are especially important, without which our vision, skin, hair and internal systems of the body suffer.

Apples contain bioflavonoids (vitamin P). These substances strengthen the vascular system well. They reduce the level of permeability of venous walls, which is especially important for people over 40 years of age. Bioflavonoids increase the concentration of ascorbic acid in the body and normalize oxygen metabolism in tissues. Participates in the functioning of the endocrine system. Help stop bleeding and promote rapid tissue regeneration.

Everyone knows that apples contain a lot gland. And this element is very important for increasing hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to organs and systems, and vice versa, carbon dioxide to the lungs. Deficiency of the element causes anemia and complications associated with it.

Do not forget about the high content in apples potassium– an indispensable element for the functioning of the heart muscle. It has a powerful diuretic effect, removes excess fluid and salt from the body.

As in other pome varieties, apples are dominated by fructose. Unlike sucrose and glucose, it is more useful and easily digestible. It is digested slowly, but is quickly eliminated from the blood without increasing sugar levels. Therefore, apples are useful for people prone to diabetes. This element turns into glycogenic acid. Glycogenic acid saturates muscle tissue, organs and systems with energy, giving a person endurance and strength.

Availability pectins Helps the body form compounds with toxic metals and remove them. This is especially true for urban residents, since there the air is more polluted with emissions that enter the human blood. In addition, pectin substances break down bad cholesterol and remove it from the blood. This prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, heart failure, and other problems associated with the development of atherosclerosis.

These fruits contain coarse dietary fiber. Fiber is an essential element necessary for proper digestion. It forms beneficial microflora, inhibits the action of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and cleanses the blood of toxic substances and decay products. Coarse fiber strengthens intestinal peristalsis, activating the digestion process and reducing the incidence of constipation.

Beneficial features

Any type of apple is useful, but preference should be given to green ones, since they do not have coloring pigments. This means they are hypoallergenic. Children can eat them safely from the age of four months. The pulp and peel of apples are very rich in iron and vitamins. Especially the skin, which many often simply throw away. To protect yourself from chemicals, you need to thoroughly wash apples before eating with hot water and a brush.

Green fruits contain more fructose and less sucrose. This is an ideal snack for those suffering from high blood sugar. Regular consumption of apples in all types is beneficial for both children and adults.

When consumed regularly, apples have a beneficial effect on the body:

• Stimulates the gastrointestinal tract thanks to fiber.
• Normalizes appetite by stimulating the production of gastric juice.
• Strengthen the immune system thanks to a rich vitamin complex.
• Increases iron levels in the blood and prevents the development of anemia.
• They give a diuretic and choleretic effect, cleansing the body.
• Reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system.
• Accelerate metabolic processes in the body.
• Strengthens the nervous system and helps cope with stress.
• Prevents the appearance of malignant neoplasms.
• Have a beneficial effect on skin and hair.

The fruits are especially useful for women. They are high in folic and pantothenic acid, which are essential during pregnancy. Retinol and tocopherol have a beneficial effect on the skin and the condition of hair and nails. Iron and potassium are needed by the weaker sex especially during menopause. Calcium strengthens bone tissue, which prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis. This is an ideal product for fasting days.

Apples promote rapid weight loss.

They are also suitable for babies. This is one of the first products that pediatricians introduce into complementary foods. From about 6-7 months for breastfed babies, and from four to five for those who are bottle-fed. They strengthen the immune system, the skeletal system, accelerate teething, and saturate the body with vitamins and nutrients necessary for the child during the period of growth and development. Apples can be given in the form of puree, juice, or add pieces of fruit to porridge, natural cottage cheese or casseroles. Baked apples are well digested by children.

Apples in cooking

There are cases when the body cannot tolerate fresh apples. They cause stomach problems, flatulence, diarrhea and other stomach problems. Baked apples are a good alternative. Of course, during heat treatment, most of the vitamins are destroyed. However, pectin substances, carbohydrates and other benefits remain in full. Baked apples are easier to chew, they are much softer, so they are suitable for those who have problems with their teeth and oral cavity.

Baked

Baked the fruits have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. They have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, binding and enveloping properties. Baked apples have a mild laxative effect and help with gastritis. Relieves inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, reduces the manifestations of bronchitis.

Fruits can be baked in the oven or microwave. The microwave will do this in a few minutes. You can add honey to them. They have few contraindications. Perhaps individual intolerance, but there are a lot of indications for use

Soaked

In soaked apples retain all the beneficial properties of the fruit. Especially if you add cabbage leaves to them. This improves their taste and benefits. Therefore, if you have sauerkraut in a barrel, you can put Antonov apples there. Soaked apples are easily digestible. They contain a lot of ascorbic acid, so it is better to eat them in the cold season, when the risk of ARVI is high. In addition, they are rich in calcium and are very useful for people with osteoporosis who have fragile bones. They also have contraindications for use - increased acidity of gastric juice.

Late varieties of green fruits are suitable for soaking. They must be freshly picked and undamaged. Take a three-liter jar. Cover the bottom with cherry and currant leaves. Place the fruits in a dense layer, sprinkle with leaves, and again a layer of apples and so on until the top of the jar. Add a handful of cranberries for a richer taste. Then pour in the brine.

For the brine you will need five liters of water, half a glass of granulated sugar and a quarter glass of coarse table salt (not iodized). Boil the mixture and cool. Pour one and a half tablespoons of mustard powder into the cooled brine. Stir well and pour into jars. Close the jars and place in a cool, dark place. After about three weeks, you can enjoy pickled apples.

This is one of the simplest and fastest ways to prepare soaked apples.

Dried

Recently, dried vegetables and fruits have again reached the peak of popularity. And apples have always been consumed dried. They last a long time without losing their beneficial nutritional properties. They contain a lot of minerals and trace elements, fructose, biotins, nicotinic acid, tocpherol. However, their calorie content is higher than that of fresh fruits, so you can’t eat a lot of them. If you are overweight or have high blood sugar, then eating them once a week is enough.

Dried apples activate the immune system, stimulate brain function, have a general strengthening effect on the cardiovascular system, and are rich in antioxidants. You can simply eat dried apples without additives. You can add natural honey or sugar. Use for compotes, jams, additives to desserts and baked goods. Of course, they also have contraindications. This type of apple contains more acids and fiber, so people with ulcers and acute gastritis should not eat them.

To dry fruits, you need to wash fresh apples under hot water with a brush, cut out the core and seeds and chop into equal halves. Dip the apples in salt water for two minutes. Remove the fruits and place them on a flat surface (tray, plywood). Place in open sunlight. Stir every three hours to ensure the fruits dry evenly.

The use of apples for diseases

Apples are widely used in folk medicine against various diseases. The skin and pulp of the plant are used. It is better to remove the seeds and core - they contain toxins.

For anemia You need to eat half a kilo of green apples every day. Do not peel the peel. The duration of the diet is a month. If there are no allergic reactions, prepare fresh vitamin juice every day from apple and carrot juices in a ratio of 80 to 20. The course of treatment with fresh juices is two weeks.

For bronchitis Apples will also help. Remove the skin from the apples and cut into equal slices. Place in a saucepan and add a liter of water. Simmer over medium heat for fifteen minutes. Cool the apple broth. Take three glasses a day half an hour before meals. You can add a teaspoon of honey.

Against cough Peeled apples and one medium onion are rubbed through a fine grater. Add a tablespoon of honey and mix well. Drink one tablespoon before each meal, but not more than three times a day.

For laryngitis fruit leaves help. Two tablespoons of dried leaf per 250 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for at least two hours. Drink half a glass of infusion daily.

For stomach pain One big green apple is enough. Grate on a coarse grater along with the skin. Add some honey. Eat in the morning on an empty stomach. About five hours before breakfast.

For constipation Cut two apples into medium-sized slices. Pour a glass of fresh milk and 125 ml of water. Boil the mixture for no longer than seven minutes. Take on an empty stomach one hour before your morning meal.

For bladder stones In folk medicine it is recommended to take apple decoction. Roughly chop three fruits with skin into medium-sized pieces. Add a liter of boiling water. Simmer over low heat for ten minutes, stirring lightly. Cool and add honey or sugar to improve the taste. Drink half a glass three times a day. The course of treatment is two months.

From atherosclerotic plaques and thrombosis you should take two medium fruits. And pour boiling water until the water covers. Cover with a lid and leave for four hours. Mash the steamed apples with a masher without draining the water. Mix the mixture well and filter. Pour in a tablespoon of liquid honey. Take 200 ml of the mixture per day. In addition, it is recommended to mix half a glass of carrot and apple juice. Drink daily.

For skin diseases You need to add the skin of one large apple to warm viburnum tea. And leave for an hour. Drink half a glass of the drink daily 15 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is four weeks.

For cracked heels the fruits can be cut into slices. Place in a saucepan and add a small amount of milk. Keep it on the fire until you get a viscous paste. Apply the cooled mixture to sore areas, securing with film and bandage. Leave for thirty minutes. The duration of treatment is a month.

For joint inflammation Apple peel will do. You need to peel the apples and dry them. Grind the dry skin into a fine powder. Pour a tablespoon of crushed apple peel into 250 boiling water. Cover with a lid and set aside for thirty minutes. Take 125 ml half an hour before meals. Three times a day.

For high blood pressure A medium sized fruit is suitable. It needs to be peeled and the skin dried. Pour a glass of boiling water. Leave to infuse for fifteen minutes. Add some honey. Take 125 ml five or six times a day before meals.

To increase hemoglobin in children A mixture of apple and carrot juice is useful for raising hemoglobin. Treatment period is 14 days.

To sleep better You can use a vinegar-honey mixture. For a glass of warm boiled water – 2 tsp. vinegar and 1 tsp. honey

Apples are also used for weight loss. There are several types apple diet:

• One day a week on apples with enough water. At least two liters per day.
• In one day, consume one and a half kilograms of fresh or baked fruits. Don't drink water.
• For six days, eat one apple with a glass of kefir. At least six times a day.

Apple diets are safe for the body and do not cause stress. The extra pounds don't come back.

Contraindications

Despite all the beneficial qualities, there are certain contraindications to eating apples. The harm from these fruits is minimal, especially if you follow moderation. Therefore, it is important not to overeat them, and some people should not eat apples at all.

Allergic reaction on the natural coloring pigments in the fruit. Not only is the skin of the apple rich in it, but also its pulp. It is recommended for allergy sufferers and children under three years of age to eat green varieties of apples.

People who are overweight and overweight should limit their consumption of apples. high sugar in blood. Because they contain a lot of carbohydrates and sugars. Therefore, one or two apples are enough for them.

Raw fruits of sour varieties are prohibited in acute form of gastritis. This worsens the course of the disease, causing severe discomfort and heartburn.

Selection and storage

To get the maximum benefit from apples, you need to choose them correctly. There are a number of subtleties that need to be taken into account when buying fruit.

Tips for choosing apples:

• The fruit should be dense, strong, without bruises or spots, with a slight apple smell.
• Medium fruits are better in size. If possible, cut it and watch how quickly the apple darkens. Ripe fruits darken faster.
• It is recommended to look at apples with wormholes. This means the fruit was grown without chemical fertilizers.
• The seeds should be dark. White or brownish in unripe apples.

Apples also need to be stored correctly so that they do not spoil and retain their beneficial properties for as long as possible. If you want to preserve the fruits for several months, then they need to be processed before placing them in containers. Apply a little glycerin to a cloth. And wipe each fruit well. As an alternative, you can wrap the fruit in cling paper. Place the apples in a cardboard or wooden container. If you have sawdust or sand, you can sprinkle the fruits with them.

Do not place bunches of onions and garlic near fruits. They interrupt the natural smell of apples. It is better to place the box or box in a dark and cool place. Another storage method: tie the fruit in plastic and bury it in an earthen hole. It should be shallow - about fifty centimeters. To protect fruits from pests.