Apple is a very popular and beloved fruit that is present in our diet all year round in different versions. In the warm season, you can feast on fresh or baked fruits, and in the cold time comes a variety of blanks. In order for apples to bring the body only benefit and harm was minimal, you need to take into account some limitations.
The benefits and harm of fresh apples
100 g of fresh apples contain 86.3 g of water, 0.4 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat, 9.8 g of carbohydrates, 0.8 g of organic acids, 1.8 g of dietary fiber. The calorie content of apples is 46 kcal per 100 g of the edible part, which makes them popular components of various diets. Apples are good for the digestive system: they increase appetite, interfere with fermentation processes, restore metabolism, and improve intestinal function.
The composition of apples includes many vitamins (A (RE), beta-carotene, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C, E, H, K, PP, niacin), macronutrients (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur , phosphorus, chlorine), trace elements (aluminum, vanadium, boron, iodine, copper, iron), amino acids, sugars and fatty acids. Due to the rich chemical composition of apples are a great tool for vitamin deficiency. Apples have a mild choleretic effect and help prevent gallbladder disease. 
Important! The apple diet remains popular today. Its principle is that for 3-10 days you need to eat only apples, consuming up to 1.5 kg per day. A long-term diet badly affects the state of the body: it causes digestive upset, upsets the metabolism, and has a negative effect on the teeth.The high content of pectin and vegetable fibers helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Magnesium contained in apples has a beneficial effect on the activity of the nervous system, improves the functioning of the heart muscle, and participates in energy metabolism; Sodium participates in the work of nervous and muscular tissues, regulates blood pressure. The presence of iron makes an apple a valuable product to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
However, due to the high content of coarse fiber, excessive consumption of apples can disrupt the work of the gastrointestinal tract and aggravate colitis. Also, do not get too carried away with apples for people with gastritis and duodenal ulcer.
Did you know? Many people know the biblical story of Adam and Eve, who were expelled from the Garden of Eden. In fact, the Bible does not say that the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which the biblical characters tasted, was an apple.
The benefits and harm of the peel and seeds of apple
Homemade apples can be eaten with the peel, which is very rich in nutrients. It contains minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron), vitamin A. Rutin and quercetin are antioxidants that protect the body from circulatory problems, cellular damage and inflammation. Pectin contained in apples is necessary for the digestive tract, it contributes to the normalization of digestion and increase immunity. Soluble and insoluble fibers help to remove cholesterol from the blood and liver. Ursolic acid is essential for muscle growth and fat reduction.
The use of peel from apples, in addition to the benefits, can be harmful to the body. Many manufacturers treat fruits with herbicides and pesticides, and for a more attractive presentation, spray-like substances and oils are sprayed on the fruits. The peel of these apples harms the body more, so it is better to cut it off from the purchased fruit.
Iodine, potassium, proteins, sucrose and fatty oils are found in apple seeds. Potassium contributes to the work of the heart, and iodine is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
It is believed that the amygdalin found in apple seeds (the so-called vitamin B17) is able to fight cancer cells. This fact has not been proven by scientific medicine, in many countries (USA, Canada) a drug based on a substance is prohibited, but some still note its effectiveness. Amygdalin consists of glucose and hydrogen cyanide, which when released into the stomach forms toxic hydrochloric acid, very dangerous in a large dose.
Important! The use of apple seeds is better to limit to 5-6 pieces per day.
The benefits and harms of dried apples
Before you eat fresh fruit, you need to know that apples are not useful for every organism. With increased acidity of the stomach, it is better to eat dried fruits, because they do not contain as much fruit acids as fresh fruit.
Dried apples benefit the digestive organs, cleanse the body of harmful products thanks to pectin and fiber. Iron prevents the development of anemia, phosphorus is necessary for the brain to work. Ascorbic acid boosts immunity; Potassium and magnesium have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. B vitamins are needed for metabolism and a stable state of the nervous system.
Dried apples are very high in calories, a small portion of dry slices can be an alternative to dinner or to replace sweets.
During drying due to the evaporation of water, the weight of the apple is significantly reduced, but the amount of sugars remains unchanged. Therefore, you should carefully use the drying for obesity and diabetes (with the second type of disease, you can eat a few slices per day). In such cases, it is still better to make compote from apples. The same can be said about the chronic form of pancreatitis. In the acute form of any dried fruit is contraindicated.
In small quantities and after the main meal, it is recommended to eat dried apples to people suffering from chronic diseases of the stomach (gastritis, ulcers), since acids can irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive organs.
Increased content of fruit sugar can negatively affect teeth affected by caries, and sticky pieces of drying, stuck between the teeth, provoke the multiplication of bacteria. To prevent problems with teeth, dried apples need to drink water and use dental floss.
Excessive consumption of dried apples by pregnant women can cause additional excess weight.
Did you know? At low acidity of the stomach, it is better to eat sour apples, and at high acidity - sweet ones.
Soaked apples: the benefits and harm
Vitamins and nutrients are preserved in the apples, and their caloric content is only 47 kcal per 100 g of the product. Pickled apples have bactericidal properties and are able to normalize the quantitative and qualitative properties of the intestinal microflora. The product contains a lot of vegetable fibers and fiber, which helps to soak apples to stimulate the bowels, and ascorbic acid helps to strengthen the immune system.
Contraindications to the use of roasted apples are gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Did you know? For the preparation of pickled apples, layers of rye straw, currant leaves (cherries) and apples (stalks up) are alternately laid out in a wooden barrel, poured with brine from water, salt and sugar (honey).
What are baked apples useful for?
During heat treatment, some of the nutrients are lost, but still the vitamins in baked apples are stored in large quantities. Baked apples are a very tasty and healthy dessert, as well as a great dietary product that is well absorbed by the body.
They will undoubtedly appeal to older people who find it difficult to eat fresh hard fruits. Baked apples, eaten on an empty stomach, provide a light laxative and diuretic effect, which is useful for swelling and constipation. Eating baked apples will help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Important! Apples can be baked with cottage cheese, caramel, cinnamon, honey, dried fruits, nuts, served as a side dish to meat.In any form, the apple retains excellent taste and many healing properties. Apples are not only eaten raw, but also make them different dishes and preparations. If used in moderation, this useful fruit will help improve health.
