Apples: calories, useful properties and contraindications.

The apple is the most famous and useful fruit. It is this fruit endowed with magical powers, which is reflected not only in medicine, cooking and cosmetology, but also in literature. It has become both an object of contention and a remedy that gives youth and longevity. So how did people learn about the existence of apples?

According to scientists, the birthplace of the apple is considered to be Central Asia. It was from there that this fruit came to Egypt, Ancient Rome, Greece, and then spread throughout Europe. The ancestor is considered to be the Sivers apple tree, which still grows on Asian soil today. In Russia the fruit became known at the time of Yaroslav the Wise, and in 1051 in Kiev-Pechersk Lavra the first apple trees were planted. At the moment there are about 7500 varieties of apples on the planet. They all differ in taste, size and, of course, color. Yellow, red, and green - what is the difference? Which variety is healthier and better?

Which apples are healthier: red, green or yellow?

The color of red varieties depends on the pectin content, the amount of which increases as the fruit matures. The color of yellow and green fruits depends on the presence of acids. Useful properties are present in all varieties, but their orientation differs from each other. Red apples have the following beneficial properties:

• Prevention of atherosclerosis;
• excretion of toxins;
• prevention of cancer and cataracts;
• regeneration of liver cells;
• regulation of the level of acidity of gastric juice;
• Increasing the level of performance;
• Strengthening of hair and nails.

Green apples have the following capabilities:

• beneficial effects on dental enamel;
• excretion of cholesterol;
• reduction and prevention of edema;
• assistance in weight loss;
• Increasing and regulating the acidity of gastric juices;
• prevention of colon cancer;
• stimulation of bowel function;
• reduction of skin inflammations;
• prevention of comedones;
• Absence of allergic reactions to the fruit.

Yellow varieties of apples have the following health benefits:

• Prevention of gallbladder diseases;
• normalization of the biliary tract;
• treatment and prevention of anemia, because the yellow fruit is the leader in iron content;
• improvement of digestive processes;
• regulation of blood pressure;
• excretion of toxins;
• prevention and prophylaxis of tooth decay.

Thus, the fruits of all varieties are equally useful, but the calorie content and the absence of substances that can provoke allergic reactions, makes the green apples slightly more useful than their yellow and red "brethren".

Composition and Calories

To appreciate the full benefit of apples, you need to know their composition. In any variety of fruit, the content of vitamins and minerals is almost the same, so it is customary to call the following components of the fruit:

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

The content of nutrients is as follows: carbohydrates - 9.8 g, fat - 0.4 g, protein - 0.4 g. The caloric value is 47 kcal per 100 g, but in red fruits it can be up to 60 kcal per 100 g. Therefore, it is not desirable to abuse red fruits in order not to gain extra pounds.

How are apples useful?

General benefits

The benefits of apples are based on the rich content of vitamins, minerals and are as follows:

• strengthening the cardiovascular system;
• Prevention of diseases of the heart, gallbladder and eyes;
• lowering of cholesterol;
• strengthening of blood vessels;
• normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
• stimulation of appetite;
• increase of visual acuity;
• regeneration of brain cells;
• immunity strengthening;
• regeneration of liver cells;
• excretion of toxins and waste products;
• increase hemoglobin levels.

The list of beneficial effects on the body is indeed very long, so some diseases and aspects of human health require a more detailed characterization.

For women

For the female body, the cherished fruit will bring the following benefits:

• Will strengthen the hair and nails;
• Will improve the appearance of the skin and its health;
• Restore bone tissues;
• help lose extra pounds;
• normalize the nervous system;
• Help in the prevention of cancer of the breast and uterus.

For men

Apples are also useful for men. They have the following positive effects:

• Strengthen the bones and nervous system;
• improve blood composition;
• reduce the risk of heart disease;
• increase physical activity and endurance;
• reduce the risk of asthma;
• Support male potency and restore male hormone levels.

In Pregnancy.

Pregnant women should eat apples. Delicious fruits will help normalize digestion, saturate the body of mother and child with useful substances, contribute to the proper formation of the fetus, prevent anemia, strengthen hair, nails and bones, calm the nervous system and protect against stress. In addition, apples are an excellent prevention of tooth decay. Doctors advise choosing the green varieties, which are less saturated with fructose, and are not allergic.

Experts advise to eat no more than 4 medium-sized apples per day thirty minutes before the main meal. Such fruits not only do not harm the mother, but also help her to cope with the problems that arise during the period of carrying the baby.

When breastfeeding

During the lactation period, a woman must necessarily consume apples. They will help to cope with intestinal problems, improve the overall condition of the skin, hair and nails, normalize digestive processes, increase hemoglobin and overall body tone, as well as saturate with useful vitamins and trace elements. It is enough to eat two fresh apples a day, and it is better if they are baked fruits, because they improve digestion of young mothers, preserving and delivering nutrients to the body.

Doctors warn that the inclusion of apple dishes in the menu should begin after two weeks from the birth of the child. But in large quantities of fruit should not be consumed, as there can be problems with gas, increased acidity of gastric juice, the appearance of colic. It is better to bake the fruit.

For children

Every mother tries to improve the health of her baby from the day she is born. A good helper in this process can be the usual apple. Its benefits for the growing body are invaluable. Apples are the first fruit that is introduced to the child, transferring to "adult" food, starting at six months of age. They will bring the following benefits for babies:

• strengthen the immune system;
• Protect against anemia;
• help proper, and most importantly, the healthy growth of teeth;
• saturate with essential minerals and trace elements;
• help organize digestion;
• strengthen the bone skeleton;
• remove harmful substances from the child's body;
• help normalize the bioflora of the intestine;
• Eliminate trouble sleeping toddlers;
• Reduce sugar levels.

But do not forget that children with ulcerative colitis, gastritis and peptic ulcer should be prohibited from consuming the fruit, especially in the acute stage. Also, you should not brush your teeth immediately after your child has eaten the fruit. This is due to the fact that apples can soften tooth enamel, and brushing teeth creates the risk of damaging it twice as much.

The optimal daily rate for a child is considered to eat two apples.

Can I eat apples while losing weight?

Many people have heard about the apple diet. Nutritionists believe that the apple can help you lose weight quickly and healthily. It is able not only to cope with extra pounds, but also to saturate the body with useful substances, without causing harm. Experts believe that in the fight against excess weight it is not so important to sit on a diet, as to give up calorie dishes and include in your daily diet from two to four fruits of green varieties of apples. They will help normalize digestion and take care of the overall condition of the body, saturating it with nutrients and useful substances.

Benefits and harms of apple peel

Studies have found that apple peels contain the most vitamins and minerals (compared to fruit pulp). The rutin, quercitin, flavonoids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamin C, insoluble fiber, pectin, ursolic acid and triterpinoids are found in the peel. Thanks to these constituents, apple peel has the following beneficial effects on humans:

• protection from cellular damage;
• normalization of blood circulation;
• reducing the risk of asthma, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer;
• strengthening of the cardiovascular system;
• excretion of toxins;
• reduction of fats;
• reduction of cholesterol levels;
• normalization of the digestive system;
• maintenance of healthy intestinal microflora;
• increase of immunity;
• reduction of cancer cell growth in the liver and duodenum in cancer patients;
• reducing the risk of muscle atrophy.

The most important contraindication to eating apple peels is the presence of pesticides in them. Nowadays, many producers sprinkle the fruits to protect them from pests with various compounds that can be harmful to humans. In addition, to extend the shelf life of apples are impregnated with a special composition, which is also dangerous to human health. That is why it is better to give preference to those apples, which are grown on your own garden plot, but if you buy in the store, it is recommended to rinse the product well in hot water with baking soda. In this way you can get rid of the harmful effects on the body.

Dried apples: benefits and harms

Everyone knows that apples can be eaten not only in raw form, but also in dried form. They are delicious and useful. Their composition is different from the fresh product:

• fiber;
• natural sugars;
• vitamins A, K, H, PP;
• increased content of vitamins B and C, potassium, copper and iron;
• magnesium;
• manganese;
• phosphorus;
• sodium.

The caloric value of 100 g is 250 kcal. The number of proteins is 2 g, carbohydrates - 58 g, fat - 0.2 g.

Due to such a rich content of useful substances, dried apples have the following properties:

• normalization of the digestive system;
• release of the gastrointestinal tract from toxins;
• increase hemoglobin and prevention of anemia;
• stabilization of the genitourinary system;
• strengthening of the musculoskeletal system;
• improvement of metabolism;
• reduction of edema;
• Assistance in recovery in the postoperative period;
• Maintenance of normal intestinal microflora;
• elimination of allergy symptoms;
• Improving immunity, cardiac tone, brain function;
• normalization of heart rhythm;
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• assistance with diet;
• Strengthening of the bone skeleton, nails and hair;
• preservation of youthful skin.

It would seem that "dried fruits" can be consumed by everyone and in any quantity, but this is not quite true. Dried fruits are prohibited to people with diabetes in the last stage, prone to obesity. In other cases, dried apples will do only good. Experts advise to eat five or six slices per day. Children, however, are allowed to eat only two. This amount is considered optimal for getting the necessary charge of vitamins and health in the day.

How to dry them

To make your own dried apples, you can use several options: drying in the sun, in the oven, microwave oven or electric dryer.

1. To dry apples in the sun, you need to lay out the slices in a thin layer on a grid and cover them with gauze. After putting them under the sunlight. The whole process takes four days. This drying process maximizes the amount of vitamin C preserved in the fruit.
2. To dry in the oven, cut the apples into slices and place them in a thin layer on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Keep the apples in the oven for thirty minutes at 80°C. After that, reduce the temperature to 70 ° C and to simmer for another five hours. In the next stage, turn the slices and send them to the oven for another four hours. The temperature during this time should be 50°C. During this time, the apples should be turned so that they do not stick.
3. In the microwave oven you can prepare dried delicacy in just five minutes. All you need to do is cut the apples and place them in a single layer on a plate. Turn on the timer for 30 seconds, then flip the apples over and put them back in the oven. Several of these cycles are necessary, but usually the time is about five minutes.
4. In an electric dryer, apples should be placed in a thin layer and dried at a temperature of 60-75°C (it is not desirable to put more, because the useful substances evaporate). The cooking process takes eight hours.

Useful properties of apple juice

Apple is a unique fruit, the benefits of which are not questioned and proven by scientists. All derivatives of this fruit have the same uniqueness. Apple juice is no exception. Freshly squeezed drink has the same composition as an apple and contains potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, manganese, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytoncides, malic and citric acid, fructose, glucose, vitamins C, A, E, H, group B, PP, antioxidants, essential oils and amino acids. Its caloric value is 46 kcal per 100 grams. Carbohydrate content is 10 g, protein - 0.5 g and fat - 0.1 g.

Freshly squeezed juice has the following properties:

• fights the aging process, triggering the natural processes of rejuvenation of the whole body;
• Reduces the risk of heart disease and strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• reduces the risk of blood clots;
• lowers the glycemic index;
• Prevents the development of cancer;
• Normalizes kidney and bowel function, gently eliminating constipation;
• Reduces the risk of sclerosis, bladder disease, blood clots;
• Helps with high blood pressure;
• Strengthens the nervous system;
• normalizes brain activity;
• Restores the level of male hormones;
• increases hemoglobin.

Despite all the advantages of this product, the juice has a number of contraindications, namely its use is prohibited for children under one year and people with diagnoses

• diabetes mellitus of the first degree;
• hyperacidity of the stomach;
• Gastrointestinal diseases in the period of exacerbation.

In addition, patients prone to allergies should also consult with your doctor and establish the possibility of using apple juice and its daily rate. For a healthy person, this norm is 1-2 glasses per day.

Is apple compote useful?

Apple compote is one of the favorite drinks not only for children, but also for adults. The transparent or amber color pleases the eye, and the taste gives a pleasant sweetness. Kompot is also very valuable because it contains many trace elements aimed at maintaining human health. It includes vitamins A, B, C, iron, magnesium, folic acid.

Kompot helps with arthritis, inflammation of the joints, bladder diseases, liver, kidney, and intestinal diseases. He helps to combat obesity. Give it to children and adolescents during the active growth phase to strengthen bones and muscles. But the drink is not suitable for everyone and is contraindicated for patients who have exacerbations of gastritis, ulcers and pancreatitis. Patients diagnosed with diabetes need a doctor's consultation, because the compote contains sugar, so its consumption can be harmful.

How useful are baked apples

Baked apples are considered a delicious and very useful dessert. They contain 0.5 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 20 g of carbohydrates per 100 grams, and the caloric value is about 60 kcal. In their composition can be found a lot of useful trace elements. These are potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, folic and ursolic acid, iodine, vitamins B group, A, C, PP, E and many others. Therefore, baked apples are considered the most beneficial. Their beneficial effects extend to:

• On the normalization of the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Maintenance of intestinal microflora;
• removal of salts of heavy metals and toxins;
• combating anemia;
• Improvement of metabolism and circulation;
• Strengthening of the walls of blood vessels and the cardiovascular system;
• reduction of cholesterol plaques;
• normalization of the kidneys;
• diuretic effect;
• strengthening of the immune system;
• recovery of the mother's body after childbirth;
• normalization of the nervous system;
• resistance to aging processes;
• maintenance of hair, skin, teeth and nails;
• rejuvenation at the cellular level;
• lowering of blood sugar levels;
• assistance in weight loss;
• relief of symptoms of toxicosis.

Their healing properties have been proven by scientific studies. There are practically no contraindications to eating baked apples. Abuse can cause diarrhea and exacerbate chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the optimal daily dose for an adult, according to medics, is considered 2-3 apples, for children aged 2 to 5 years - half a fruit once every few days, and for children from 5 to 10 years - one fruit every two days. At this rate, apples will not bring negative consequences, but only strengthen health.

The benefits and harms of apple jam

Apple jam likes to regale everyone. In addition to its pleasant taste and aroma, jam contains many useful trace elements. Of course, its properties differ from those of a fresh apple, because in the process of cooking many trace elements disappear. But nevertheless in the jam retained enough useful compounds that can positively affect human health. This sweet product strengthens the immune system, nervous system, blood vessels, bones, improves heart function, metabolism, hair and nails, activates the brain, increases hemoglobin, helps reduce cholesterol levels, removes toxins. But we should not forget that jam still contains more sugar than freshly squeezed juice or fresh apple, so you should observe the measure. Also, experts do not recommend eating jam to people who have problems with obesity, GI diseases in the acute phase, tooth decay, diabetes, food allergies. If a person is healthy, then a lunchtime tea party with apple jam will do him only good!

Soaked apples: benefits and harms

Another dish that can benefit the body is dried apples. Their use is not too popular and is now almost forgotten. But our ancestors used exactly the method of soaking apples for their long storage and maximum preservation of vitamins and minerals. Such apples have a much higher vitamin C content than fresh fruit. The composition of dried delicacy includes, besides ascorbic acid, vitamins B, D, E, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, iodine, chromium, zinc, dietary fiber, fiber, pectin, organic acids, water and monosaccharides. Caloric value is 118 kJ, including: protein - 6%, fat - 8%, carbohydrates - 86%.

Soaked apples can support the body during seasonal colds, speed up the recovery process, improve the gastrointestinal tract, normalize intestinal microflora, stimulate metabolic processes, promote the removal of toxins and impurities, increase appetite, lower cholesterol, strengthen bone tissue, fight dysbacteriosis, atherosclerosis, vitamin deficiency, constipation, rejuvenate and smooth the skin. But they, like other products of apples, are not recommended for people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcers and gastritis in the period of exacerbation. Otherwise, urinated apples should not be neglected, because our ancestors knew a lot about healthy eating.

Are Apple Seeds Good for You

It's not just the flesh and skin of an apple that can boast of its benefits. Apple seed is also able to surprise with its useful properties. The most important components are potassium, iodine and letril. These components can work wonders. For example, iodine is known to improve memory, fight depression, and support thyroid health. Letril - a unique vitamin that prevents the development of malignant tumors, as well as reduces the activity of cancer cells and fights the spread of cancer in the body. It increases stamina and stimulates mental activity. Potassium also helps saturate the brain with oxygen, regulates blood pressure and strengthens the nervous system.

All these features make apple seeds magical. But doctors warn that the seeds contain a life-threatening poison - hydrogen cyanide or hydrocyanic acid. This substance can cause severe poisoning and can even be fatal. This is why you can eat no more than 6 seeds a day.

Apples in medicine

The medical community has not stayed away from the tasty apple. Having researched and studied the beneficial properties of the fruit, physicians confirmed its positive effect on the human body and introduced it into the diet of their patients to fight many diseases for speedy recovery. It is able to maintain the work of all systems of the body, rejuvenate cells and fight serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes and many others. So the apple has found itself in another branch of human existence - medicine.

In case of diabetes.

Experts have found that the consumption of juicy fruit is necessary for patients with diabetes. This is due to the following special properties of the apple:

1. The glycemic index of the product is about 35 units with a norm of up to 55. This means that the possibility of developing hyperglycemia is negligible.
2. Vitamins and minerals strengthen the walls of blood vessels, protect against atherosclerosis, and remove cholesterol. It is these disorders that most often threaten diabetic patients.
3. Coarse fiber protects against sudden changes in sugar levels, because eating apples reduces the rate of absorption of fast carbohydrates.
4. Fiber, pectin, and cellulose remove toxins and impurities from the body.
5. The fruit reduces the risk of malignant tumors, diabetic neuritis, sclerosis.
6. The fruit normalizes the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Thus, the useful fruit should necessarily be present in the menu of patients suffering from diabetes. However, physicians warn that it should be consumed in accordance with the norm, in order to avoid the risk of complications. Thus, the daily dose for patients with the first type of diabetes is half an apple a day. And patients with type 2 diabetes can increase the rate to one apple per day. At the same time, the fruit should be divided into two meals. If you follow these simple rules, the apple will saturate the body with useful substances and bring a positive effect.

In pancreatitis.

Pathologies of the pancreas pose a serious threat to human health. Specialists recommend carefully choosing products for the table of patients and try to reduce the load for the suffering organ as much as possible. At the same time, in the remission stage, it is allowed to eat fruits of green varieties of apples, but not with an overabundance of acid. It is desirable to eat fruit in baked form. This will help saturate the body with useful micronutrients, establish intestinal function. Baked apples also have an enveloping property and help the pancreas to cope with its main functions without irritating it. The daily rate is 2 fruits a day on a full stomach. In the period of exacerbation, however, apples are forbidden to eat. In any case, before their introduction into the daily diet, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

With gastritis

Gastritis is the most common stomach condition today. Apples can help patients manage some of the symptoms of the disease. For example, sweet fruits can lower the acidity of the stomach and sour fruits can increase it. Also, the fruit will make up for vitamin deficiencies and increase the body's resistance to various infections. During an exacerbation period, it is better to refuse fresh fruits and replace them with baked ones. They will have an enveloping effect and soothe the inflamed mucosa. Therefore, with gastritis, you should not refuse apples, but simply establish with the attending doctor the norm of consumption and enjoy.

For the intestines

For the intestines, the apple is simply indispensable. It is the sweet fruit that can painlessly clean the walls of the intestine, lower cholesterol, normalize the process of defecation and establish the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract. An apple in baked form is able to gently eliminate long constipation. In addition, nutritionists advise once a month to arrange a total colon cleansing with apples. On such a day you should eat up to 2 kg of fruit and drink kefir. This will not only help to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and slags, but also improve the external condition of the skin, eliminating acne and inflammation, which is often associated with slagging intestines.

Constipation

Constipation is not a disease, but this disorder of bowel function can deliver a lot of unpleasant moments and even lead to the development of cancer. Therefore, get rid of constipation is necessary. An aid in this struggle can be an ordinary apple. It perfectly cleans the intestines and eliminate constipation. The dietary fiber of the fruit will help the gastrointestinal tract, and fiber normalizes defecation, eliminating constipation. It is preferable to eat baked fruit in the amount of 2-3 pieces per day. Apple juice also copes well with constipation, which should be drunk one glass a day before going to bed. Using these tips, a person can get rid of constipation and eliminate this problem once and for all.

If you have gout

Gout is characterized by an increased content of purines, so patients are recommended a diet with products that contain a minimum amount of these substances. Apples are included in the list of allowed fruits, because they contribute to the prevention of the disease precisely because of the included potassium. Vitamin C reduces the effects of uric acid, neutralizing it and helping to eliminate it from the body. Experts advise choosing sweet fruits and eating two fruits fresh daily. However, they can also be eaten baked, dried, compote, and soaked. Apples will only have a positive effect on the overall condition of the patient and help eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

In colitis

With colitis, patients are forced to follow a strict diet so as not to cause an exacerbation of the disease. Unfortunately, many fruits are banned, but apples have defended their right to be consumed during the disease. Pectin contained in the fruit normalizes stool, and phytoncides do an excellent job of destroying pathogenic bacteria. Doctors recommend eating fresh apples for colitis accompanied by diarrhea, and baked fruit on an empty stomach for constipation. In any case, you should peel the apple from the skin, because it contains insoluble fiber, which can harm the inflamed intestine. The daily rate is determined by the doctor, focusing on the condition of the patient and the features of the diagnosis.

In the case of liver

The liver needs special attention from the person. Apples can help regulate its functions and cope with the purification of harmful substances. Scientists, having studied the composition of the fruit, came to the conclusion that the apple has the following properties that can improve the work of the organ:

1. Cleansing. The presence of fiber removes cholesterol and thus cleanses the liver.
2. Excretion of toxins. Polyphenol copes with this task perfectly.
3. Reducing the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. It helps to have amygdalin, which is rich in seeds of apples.
4. Excretion of bile. Fruits have a choleretic effect and prevent stagnation in the liver ducts.
5. Prevention of liver obesity. Ursolic acid can reduce cholesterol, glucose and fat levels.

Based on these data, medics advise consuming apples in any form. Two to four fruits per day is enough.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a lesion of the venous system of the rectum. There are many methods and preparations used to fight this pathology. Many fruits and vegetables are forbidden to eat. For example, sour varieties of apples were banned, but sweet varieties could be included in the diet. Doctors recommend that you use them in a baked form. In this way they will be better absorbed by the digestive process and will not cause any harm.

The most effective product of apple fruit in the fight against hemorrhoids recognized apple cider vinegar. Its internal and external application helps to cope with the disease: eliminate inflammation of the hemorrhoid vein and accelerate the healing process. It is used as lotions, compresses and infusions.

In cholecystitis

In cholecystitis, it is forbidden to eat sour varieties of apples. With fresh fruit, you should also be careful, because they cause fermentation and increase flatulence. Doctors strongly recommend eating apples baked or in the form of pureed compote. In this variant, they will not cause negative consequences, but will help to get rid of symptoms of cholecystitis and bile stagnation, normalize the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate constipation. It is better if in the daily diet there will be no more than 2-3 apples in baked form.

Apple-based folk medicine recipes

Our ancestors knew all the secret properties of the gifts of nature that can heal people. Their knowledge has reached us in the recipes of folk medicine. There are thousands of them. Here are just a few of them.

Treatment of dry cough

Ingredients:

• The skin of one apple;
• Boiling water - 250 ml.

Take 1 tbsp of crushed apple peel and pour hot boiling water. Insist 40 minutes and consume before a meal and half a cup. Treatment to produce until the final recovery.

Treatment of atherosclerosis

Ingredients:

• water - 200 ml;
• apple leaves - 1 tbsp.

Enamel bowl with leaves and water boil in a water bath for 15 minutes. Cool. Bring with boiled water to the original volume and use three times a day for half a cup.

Treatment and prevention of varicose veins

Ingredients:

• water - 1 l;
• apple - 3 pcs;
• honey.

Bring water to a boil and put apples in a vessel. Infuse for four hours in a sealed container in a dark, warm place. Use half a glass a day, mixed with 0.5 tsp. honey.

With constipation.

Ingredients:

• apple - 2 pcs;
• hot water - 0,5 cup;
• milk - 1 cup.

Cut the apple into small pieces and pour hot water. Add milk and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes. The resulting product is eaten on an empty stomach in the morning.

Treatment of laryngitis

Ingredients:

• 1 apple peel;
• flax seed - 1 tbsp;
• honey - 2 tbsp;
• Water - 1.5 cup.

All ingredients combine and boil on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Filter with gauze and drink three times a day for ten minutes before meals.

Apples in cosmetology

Cosmetologists have appreciated the miraculous power of the ripe apple fruit to help rejuvenate the skin, strengthen the hair and nails. In cosmetic recipes, you can often see the apple as the main ingredient.

For Face

To maintain the youthfulness of the skin and restore its elasticity, you can use the following recipes.

To fight acne
Ingredients:

• apple - 1 pc;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp.

Remove the skin from the apple and grate the pulp on a fine grater. Mix the pulp with oil and apply to face for 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and apply nourishing cream. The procedure should not be repeated more than twice a week.

Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients:

• baked apple - 1 pc;
• egg yolk - 1 pc;
• 30% cream - 1 tsp.

Mash baked apple pulp with the rest of the ingredients until a homogeneous mass. Apply the mixture to the face in a dense layer and leave it for 30 minutes. After the procedure wash your face with warm water. Repeat the procedure once a week.

To eliminate oily shine
Ingredients:

• apple - 1 pc;
• milk;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp;
• Egg white - 1 piece.

Boil the apple in milk. Whip egg white. Crush the pulp and combine with the rest of the components. Apply to face and leave for 30 minutes. Wash your face with cool water.

For hair

Restoring mask
Ingredients:

• apple puree - 2 tbsp;
• Honey - 1 tbsp.

Melt honey in a water bath and combine with mashed potatoes. Warm composition to apply to the hair and wrap head with a towel for 30 minutes. If the composition will not be enough, you need to add ingredients in a ratio of 2:1.

Refreshing for oily hair
Ingredients:

• honey - 1 tbsp;
• apple puree - 2 tbsp;
• unsalted oatmeal - 2 tbsp.

Melt the honey in a water bath and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Apply to the entire length of the hair. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse your hair.

Anti-dandruff treatment
Ingredients:

• egg yolk - 1 pc;
• 9% cottage cheese - 1 tbsp;
• apple puree of one apple;
• Camphor oil - 2 drops.

Mix the ingredients with a blender and apply to the scalp with massaging movements. Spread the remainder on the entire length. After 15-20 minutes, rinse with water.

Harm and contraindications

Apple is a unique fruit, helping mankind since ancient times to preserve and increase their health. But, like any product, it has its own contraindications:

• The period of exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• individual intolerance;
• food allergies;
• flatulence and bloating.

How to choose and store apples

It's no secret that the fruit grown on your own garden plot has a full range of beneficial effects, but the store fruit can not only not bring the desired result, but also be dangerous to health. So how to choose the right cherished fruit?

1. Before you start shopping, you need to decide on the purpose. Apples with thicker skins keep longer. Soft and ripe fruits are perfect for baking and jam.
2. The next step is to decide on the variety. Red apples are considered to be the sweetest, while green apples have a characteristic sourness. Fruits of the same variety have the same, but not homogeneous color. But if you find a slightly pinkish fruit in a red variety, you should put it aside.
3. Next, you should inspect the apples for dents and brown spots, which indicates the spoilage of the product. You should not buy such specimens. The fruit should be firm to the touch.
4. An apple has a characteristic aroma, but a rotten product does not smell quite pleasant. Therefore, you can just smell the fruit.
5. Experts advise against buying imported fruits and to buy those that are grown in the belt of residence, as in this case the apples are not treated with hazardous chemicals to extend the shelf life and give the most attractive appearance. It is better to take not quite "beautiful" apples, but their usefulness will be many times higher than that of a waxed and pesticide-laden imported "neighbor"!

Once the apples have been bought or the sweet harvest has been gathered, the question of the preservation of the product arises. Experts advise adhering to the following rules to prolong the freshness of the product:

1. Rearrange the apples by size and variety. Remove those that have even small dents and worm holes. The stalk should never be removed.
2. Wipe with a light cloth.
3. Experienced growers also recommend leaving the apples in the barn for two weeks after harvesting and only then transferring them to a storage room equipped with special pipes that provide extraction.
4. Wrap each apple in a cloth or paper. You can also use sand, ash or onion husks. In any case, the apples should not come into contact with each other.
5. Arrange the fruit in a single layer in a box. You can use a bag, making a few cuts in it for sufficient air circulation.
6. Store the fruit at temperatures between -1 and +1, avoiding sudden changes in temperature.
7. When storing apples, do not stack other fruit with them to prevent them from spoiling.
8. From time to time, go through the fruit and remove the ones that have gone bad.
9. Store apples in the refrigerator in the lower compartment reserved for fruit.

Another way to store apples is in the ground. To do this, the fruit should be placed in plastic bags and placed in a dug fifty-centimeter hole. On all sides, the fruit should be covered with spruce branches, so that rodents cannot get to them. Cover the ground with leaves on top. With this method, the fruit can be preserved until spring in good condition.

Shelf life of the product depends entirely on the variety. It is better to freeze "winter" varieties, and then for a long time the apple is a nice and fresh flesh.

Can I freeze apples?

For long-term storage, you can not only use the basement, balcony or dry apples, but also freeze them. The fruit is perfectly amenable to freezing and does not lose its useful properties.

Before you start freezing, you should sort through the fruit, wash it and dry it with a towel. You can freeze both whole and sliced fruit. It all depends on the desire. Skins and cores experienced housewives advise to remove. Next, you can use cellophane bags or containers. To prevent the slices from darkening, they should be kept in a solution of citric acid (5 g per 1 liter of water) before freezing. Then put the apple slices or apples into the freezer to pre-freeze for 2 hours. After that, put the fruit in a container, tightly pressed to each other. This way extra moisture can not damage the product.

Frozen in this way the fruit can be used to make mousses, pies, compotes, etc. In this case 90% of minerals and vitamins are preserved in their original quantity.

The right way to eat apples

To take maximum care of your health with juicy apples, you need to know the rules of their consumption, namely:

1. Choose apples grown in the area where the person lives.
2. Give preference to fresh or baked fruit, because they contain the highest number of nutrients.
3. Eat fresh fruits with the peel, because it contains most of the micronutrients.
4. Do not abuse the seeds and eat them not more than 6 pieces per day.
5. Do not eat apples with food. They should be eaten half an hour before a meal, then you can avoid flatulence and fermentation processes.
6. Consume the fruit 2 hours after a meal.

How much can be eaten per day

If a person does not have chronic diseases that require dieting and reducing the amount of food eaten, then you need to consume 3-4 apple fruit per day. This will help to ensure the proper functioning of the body and avoid possible harm.

Is it possible to eat at night and on an empty stomach

Consumption of apples at bedtime is possible if you do not have at hand a toothbrush and paste. The fruit does an excellent job of cleaning the surface of the tooth, as well as massaging the gums. In other cases, you should avoid eating fresh apples before going to bed, because. fermentation processes can cause flatulence and abdominal pain.

As for eating the fruit on an empty stomach, experts believe that this is the most correct consumption of fresh fruit. Eating an apple on an empty stomach will help to significantly reduce the portions of the main meal, which, in turn, will have a positive effect on the figure. Also such an intake of fruit contributes to a better absorption of all the useful substances that it contains.

But all these recommendations are suitable for people who do not suffer from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with the same problems of this nature should consult with a specialist who, based on the diagnosis and individual characteristics, will establish an acceptable time to eat fruit, as well as inform the recommended daily rate.

What can be cooked with apples: Recipes

The apple is delicious in any form, so cooks around the world use the fruit as an independent component of a dish, as well as an additive to the main course. There are thousands of recipes using the magical fruit. But there are also those that have proven themselves in experienced hostesses as the most popular and easiest to prepare.

Jam

Favorite and fragrant apple jam can decorate with its transparent slices even the most refined tea party and give a real pleasure.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg of apples;
• 1 cinnamon stick;
• 0.8 kg granulated sugar;
• 50 ml of water.

Preparation:

1. Wash the apples, peel from the skin and remove the core.
2. In a saucepan, combine the fruit cut into small pieces, more sugar, cinnamon stick and water.
3. Cook on a high heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Add the rest of the sugar and put it on a low heat.
5. Cook until soft.

Jam

Sweet jam with a glossy finish is a great treat for a winter breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg sweet and sour apples;
• 500g sugar;
• 500 ml water.

Preparation:

1. Wash the apples, remove the core and peel off the skin in a thin layer.
2. Pour warm water over the skins and cook for 15 minutes in an open pot.
3. Cut the apples into small pieces and put them in a saucepan for cooking.
4. Fill with sugar, cover with a lid and shake to evenly distribute the sugar on the surface of the fruit.
5. Drain the decoction of the peel and combine it with the apples.
6. Put the pot on a high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. After 15 minutes, turn down the heat and cook until the apples have softened and resemble a smooth pulp with small pieces.
8. At the end of cooking, you can use a blender to achieve a homogeneous consistency.

Jam

Apple jelly, a favorite since childhood, can be added to baked goods or just enjoy the taste with an aromatic herbal tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 kg of sour apples;
• 250 ml water;
• 900 g sugar;
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice;
• 250 ml water.

Preparation:

1. Peel the apples and remove the core.
2. Fold the skins in gauze and tamp to the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour the water into the pan and put the apples in it. Pull out the tips from the gauze knot with the peel.
4. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat.
5. At the end of boiling, squeeze the pouch into the apples and dispose of the rind.
6. Toss the fruit in a colander and drain off the excess water.
7. Pass the fruit thoroughly through a fine sieve. Stir in the sugar. Pour in the lemon juice and stir thoroughly.
8. Pour the almost ready jam onto a baking tray and place in a preheated oven at 200°C. Reduce the power to 150°C. Bake for 1 hour.
9. Ready to spread jam in sterilized jars, sprinkle with sugar to prevent mold and seal.

Shelf life - 3 years.

Puree

Everyone remembers and loves the delicate taste of baby apple puree. To remember your childhood, it is not necessary to run to the store for a small jar of your favorite treat. You can prepare it at home.

Ingredients:

• 3 kg of yellow or green apples;
• 300 ml of water.

Preparation:

1. First, wash the apples, remove the core and cut into small slices. Then place in a saucepan and pour water. While cooking, the apple juice should completely cover the slices.
2. Bring everything to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes.
3. Then remove the pot from the heat, let the puree cool and mix everything with a blender.
4. Once again place the pot with puree on the fire, cover and simmer for one minute after boiling.
5. Immediately after cooking, transfer the hot mashed potatoes into sterilized containers and tighten the lids.

Ajika

Spicy, but at the same time delicate ajika is able to give any dish a brighter flavor note.

Ingredients:

• 3 kg of tomatoes;
• 3 kg of sweet peppers;
• 1,5 kg apples (better with sourness);
• 4 pcs. hot peppers;
• 300 g of garlic;
• 0.5 cup sugar;
• 2 tablespoons salt;
• 0.5 cup vinegar;
• 1 cup vegetable oil.

In this recipe, the volume of a glass is 200 ml.

Preparation:

1. Wash the vegetables, remove the seeds and core, peel and twist through a meat grinder. Mix it.
2. Then add the spices and mix again. Put the resulting product in a boiling pot and cook for 30 minutes.
3. At the very end of cooking, add the minced garlic. Boil until fully cooked.
4. Place in sterilized containers and cover. Allow to cool.

Pastila

An authentic apple marshmallow made according to ancient rules will not leave anyone indifferent.

Ingredients:

• apples;
• water - 1 cup.

Preparation:

1. Take apples, wash, cut, remove the core, peel and mark in a cast-iron (or any other with thick walls) pan. There should be as many apples as will fit in the pot.
2. Add a glass of water, cover and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes. It is advisable not to stir the fruit during cooking.
3. At the end of the time, drain the excess liquid, and stir it with a blender until it is homogeneous.
4. The second step requires a baking tray, which should be covered with baking paper. Spread the resulting mass in a thin layer on parchment and send it to the oven at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C. The cooking process takes about 10 hours. Do not close the oven door.
5. Roll the ready marshmallow (it should not stick to your hands) and cut it into rolls.

The rolls can be stored in plastic containers.

Marmalade

Apple marmalade - a delicious and healthy treat. And if you cook it at home, the benefits will be much more than in the store product.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 kg of apples;
• 1 kg of sugar.

Preparation:

1. Wash the apples, remove the core, peel and weigh them, as this is how they should weigh 2.5 kg.
2. Cut the fruit into slices and place in a large saucepan (volume - 5 liters).
3. Boil the cores, pass through a sieve and add the resulting product to the prepared apples.
4. Put the pot on a low heat. Cover with a lid and cook until the fruit becomes soft.
5. During cooking, you can add 1-3 tbsp. sugar for apple juice.
6. Remove the apples from the stove and grind with a blender until a smooth pulp is formed. Add the sugar, stir and simmer for another 2 minutes in a closed pot.
7. Then open the pot and let the puree simmer on a low heat for two hours.
8. At the end of the time, remove the pot from the stove and leave it to cool overnight.
9. In the morning continue the boiling process. The mass is considered ready when it begins to separate on its own from the spoon.
10. In the next step, prepare a baking tray, laying it with baking parchment. The apple mass should be leveled with a two-centimeter layer and placed in an oven, the temperature of which should not exceed 100 ° C. The door should be slightly ajar. The process takes 2 hours.
11. At the end of the time, turn off the oven and leave the marmalade to cool until morning.
12. In the morning repeat the procedure until the whole marmalade layer is homogeneously dense. Cut it into pieces and eat it with pleasure.

Jelly

On a winter's day, a scoop of flavorful apple jelly will remind you of the clear days of warm summer.

Ingredients:

• 5 kg of apples;
• 2 liters of water;
• 2 kg of sugar.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the apples, get rid of the core and cut into small slices.
2. Fill a pot with water and put there the prepared fruit.
3. After boiling, cook for an hour with the lid on.
4. Take an enamel bowl and drain the juice from the cooked apples, tucked in a gauze knot.
5. Combine the juice with sugar in a ratio of one to one, and leave to boil for an hour and a half on low heat. When ready, abundant foam will appear.
6. Remove the pan from the stove and tamp the jelly into jars. For storage, you can use the refrigerator.

Marshmallow

Fragrant apple marshmallow with a distinctive flavor will nicely complement a holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 250 g of apple puree;
• 200g granulated sugar;
• 1 egg white;
• 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar;
• 10 g of vanilla extract.

For the syrup:

• 100 ml boiling water;
• 8g agar-agar;
• 300 g sugar.

Preparation:

1. Combine the apple puree with sugar, vanilla extract and put in the refrigerator for two hours.
2. Pour agar-agar with water and let stand (the time is indicated on the package).
3. Take the mass from the fridge, add egg white and beat with a blender on high speed. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, as the volume of the product should be tripled.
4. Heat agar-agar until hot, add sugar and cook over low heat until it thickens (the syrup should become sticky).
5. Syrup to cool and pour into the apple mixture in a thin stream. The product should also be stirred with a blender.
6. Form marshmallow pyramids from the warm mixture on a plastic tray, using a piping bag, and leave them to dry out for a day or two.

Kompot

Nothing is easier than to boil apple compote and treat your loved ones in the winter with a healthy drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of apples;
• 250 grams of sugar;
• 1 l of water.

Process:

1. Rinse the apples and place them in clean jars until they are halfway through.
2. Prepare the syrup: boil water with granulated sugar for one or two minutes.
3. Pour the syrup into jars to the full volume and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Then pour the syrup into a pan and boil it again. The procedure is repeated three times.
5. Screw the lids on the jars and turn them upside down to cool.

Juice

Useful apple juice should not be bought in stores - it is better to make it yourself to preserve all the usefulness and natural taste.

Preparation:

1. Apples are washed, remove the core and separate the juice with a juicer.
2. Pour the product into an enamel bowl and heat until the first bubbles and surface foam form (remove with a skimmer).
3. Pass the drink through a thick layer of gauze and put back on the stove. Bring to the first bubbles and pour into the prepared dishes (jars).
4. Twist, put on a lid and wrap with a blanket until it cools completely.

Wine

Apples are used to make not only juices and compotes, but also hot drinks. Apple wine fascinates with flavor, lightness, and uplifting.

Preparation:

1. Cut the unwashed fruit into slices and remove the core.
2. Use a blender to purée the slices and put the paste or mash in an enamel bowl.
3. Take the mass to a warm place for 4 or 5 days. Stir the product 4-5 times a day.
4. At the end of the period filter the liquid through a thick layer of gauze several times. The last time to pour the juice should be in a pre-prepared bottle of large volume.
5. Next, install on the lid a water seal or an ordinary glove with a small hole.
6. Keep the whole construction for one month in a dark place.
7. At the end of the time, pour the resulting product into sterilized bottles with a rubber hose.
8. Cork the bottles, put in the refrigerator for 1 month and only then enjoy the resulting apple cider.

Smoothie

Light flavor, refreshing effect, delicate consistency - all this inimitable apple smoothie.

Ingredients:

• apples - 2 pcs;
• banana - 2 pcs;
• thick yogurt - 200 ml.

Preparation:

1. Apples are washed, remove the core and peel.
2. Mix them with bananas and puree in a blender until smooth.
3. Add the yoghurt and ice and blend once more on a low speed.

Apple chips

Chips can be healthy if made with... apples!

Ingredients:

• 200 g apples;
• 50 ml water;
• 15g lemon juice.

Preparation:

1. Wash the apples and remove the core.
2. Cut into thin, translucent slices. Soak them in water and pat dry with a cloth.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and arrange on a plate so that the apples do not touch each other.
4. Put in the microwave for 10-15 minutes.
5. Take out the finished chips and you can get the benefits!

Baked Apples

The benefits of baked apples have been known since ancient times. They are definitely worth making at home and appreciate their unique taste.

Ingredients:

• 6 pcs. apples;
• 6 tbsp. honey;
• 1 tbsp. sugar;
• water.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the apples, cut off the "lid", remove carefully the core.
2. Dip them in granulated sugar, and in the depression add a spoon of honey.
3. Cover the "lid" and put it on a baking tray, pouring a little water there.
4. Put the apples in the oven for 25 minutes at 180°C.

Soaked apples

An undeservedly forgotten old Russian recipe for soaked apples needs a revival!

Ingredients:

• apples - 1 kg;
• honey - 4 tbsp;
• currant leaves - 6 pcs;
• cherry leaves - 6 pcs;
• salt - 1,5 tbsp;
• cinnamon;
• cloves;
• water - 1,5 l.

Preparation:

1. Add salt, honey, cinnamon and cloves to the water (according to your taste). Bring to the boil and cool to 35°C.
2. Rinse the apples.
3. Take the dish prepared for soaking and line the bottom with leaves.
4. Place the apples on the leaves with the stalks facing upwards, pressing them tightly together in two rows. Then lay the leaves again and repeat until the apples are done.
5. Pour the filling until the fruit is completely covered, put a lid with a weight.
6. Within four days, keep the apples at room temperature, and then put them in the basement or on the balcony for a month and a half. And only then try the treat.

Can I give apples to animals

Apples are an amazing fruit, benefiting not only people, but also animals. Four-legged friends also need to eat apples, just like humans. In this case, dogs, cats and other animals absolutely will not hurt such a treat. But it should be remembered that it is necessary to observe a measure. So, for large dogs 2 fruits a week are enough, and small breeds should be given no more than half an apple twice every 7 days. The core and peel should be removed.

For cats, apples should be boiled and mashed. For a furry pet, 1/4 of a fruit once a week will be enough.

Do not forget, if the pets have allergies or gastrointestinal disorders, it is better to consult a veterinarian about the possibility of eating apples.

Interesting facts about apples

1. The oldest apple tree is in America. The date of its planting is considered to be 1647.
2. The heaviest apple weighed 1.3 kg.
3. The first place in the world for the cultivation of apples belongs to China.
4. The apple tree is considered to be the first cultivated tree.

The apple is a magic fruit which contains useful vitamins and minerals. It is able to heal and rejuvenate. Its properties are like a magical elixir of longevity. Not for nothing did our wise ancestors say, "A good apple costs a doctor"!

Photo of apples