Apple along with grapes, banana, mango and orange is among the five most popular and common fruits in the world. For our latitudes, apple is the number one fruit. We get acquainted with their taste in early childhood and know that the benefits of apples are enormous. Man cultivates an apple tree for several thousand years. At the same time, such a familiar fruit continues to be a stranger, and instead of benefit, it can also cause harm.
Did you know? Scientists continue to argue about the place of origin of the apple tree today (they call it Asia Minor, Greece, and Egypt). Most likely, her homeland is located in Central Asia (southern regions of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). In the Bronze Age, apple trees enter the territory of the Iranian Highlands (the first apple orchards appear in Persia), in Asia Minor, and in Egypt. The spread of apples contributed to the conquests of the Greeks and Romans. Teofrast in the IY-III centuries. BC er described several varieties of apples, and Pliny the Elder - more than twenty. Apple trees are actively spread throughout Europe - in 1051 the apple orchard was laid out in Kiev by the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. Apple trees go to America with the first European migrants who took seedlings with them.
Calorie content and nutritional value of apples
Apples, depending on the variety, degree of maturity and duration of storage, may have different caloric content, unequal chemical composition. The caloric value of 100 g of apples varies from 35 kcal (in green and yellow varieties) to 52 kcal in red ones. Low calorie is one of the reasons for the popularity of apples in various diets for weight loss. Calorific value increases with heat treatment (in baked apples it is 66 kcal, in dried apples - 243).
An Apple - one of the most optimal sources of easily digestible macronutrients (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus) and trace elements (iron, zinc, boron, manganese, iodine, fluorine, molybdenum, selenium, vanadium, nickel, rubidium, chromium) . Apple pulp contains from 85 to 87% of water (perfectly refreshes and quenches thirst), monosaccharides, disaccharides, organic acids (including apple and lemon). It is not rich in fats and carbohydrates (0.4 and 11%, respectively). The average-sized apple contains 3.5 g of fiber (about 10% of the daily need for fiber), 1% of pectins and 0.8% of ash.
Vitamins in apples are the most striking - with their variety, quantity and duration of savings (even after several months of storage, they do not lose their beneficial properties). This is a group of vitamins B (1-thiamine, 2-riboflavin, 5-pantothenic acid, 6-pyridoxine, 9-folic acid), β-carotene, and also vitamins A, C, E, H, PP, K, etc. People who constantly use apples of various varieties throughout the year (there are more than 10,000 of them in the world) will confirm the words: “an apple for lunch does not have diseases”.
Did you know? The Russian name "apple tree" (Ukrainian "Yablunya") comes from the Old Church. "Ablon" (gradually "a" transformed into "I"). The Czechs call the apple tree “jablko”, the Poles call “jabłko”. Probably, the Slavs borrowed the word from the Celts ("abla") or the Germans ("apl"). The popularity of apples in Europe was so great that as Europeans became acquainted with other fruits, they were given names derived from apples ("Chinese apple" - orange, "damn (ground) apple" - potato, "golden apple" - tomato, etc. ).
Which to choose: red, yellow or green apples
The color of apples is affected by the presence of pigments, chlorophyll, anthocyanins, carotenoids, etc. in the peel. Red, yellow and green apples vary in taste. Considering the popular wisdom “There is no friend to the taste and color,” everyone chooses what he likes. At the same time, in one situation green apples will bring great benefits, in the other - red or yellow ones, so it would be useful to know the properties of “multicolored” apples. 
Important! Choosing apples, you must first consider the fruits grown in your area, and not brought from afar - they contain more vitamins, less preservatives and other chemicals. Secondly, it is necessary to assess the density of the fruit and the integrity of the peel (so that the apple is firm and elastic). Third, the smell (good apples always have a flavor). Fourth, the size (the best are, as a rule, the fruits of medium size).
Green apples (Granny Smith, Simirenko and others) are often called the most useful. This is because green apples:
- hypoallergenic (allergic reactions to them are extremely rare);
- contain more than other apples, ascorbic and malic acid (improves digestion);
- have a low glycemic index (important for diabetics and cores);
- contain a large number of fibers. Fiber in green apples is longer processed by the body (reduces the feeling of hunger);
- rich in pectin (prolong youth);
- the lowest calorie among apples (35 kcal).
Red apples (Gloucester, Red Delicious, etc.) are very attractive aesthetically. Juicy paints, gloss on barrels (which dealers in the markets diligently suggest), would seem to say: "Eat me soon!". Chemical indicators of red apples are inferior to green:
- they are harder for digestion (less acid);
- they are sweeter (plus for sweet teeth, but minus for diabetics and children's teeth).
Yellow apples (Golden Delicious, Banana, etc.) have a pleasant caramel smell. The taste of yellow apples is very different from green and red.
Yellow apples:
- especially rich in pectin;
- contain many sugars;
- poor in iron compounds;
- promote bile secretion (beneficial effect on the liver).
Apple health benefits
Apple is not for nothing called the "fruit of health." Healing and rejuvenating properties of apples have long been known to man. The ancient Celts believed that the apple brings immortality, and the Slavs - in the “youthful apples”.
Did you know? The apple is present in many myths and legends, various customs and traditions are associated with it. In ancient Greek myths, the apple is found many times (the golden apple of discord of the goddess Eris, the symbol of love (the myth of Atalanta), the apples of the Hesperides and Hercules). In Germanic peoples, when babies were born - they planted apple seedlings, it was also believed that gods patronize apple trees - lightning does not fall into them (they organized apple orchards in the villages).
The benefits of apples for pregnant women and children
Apples are indispensable during pregnancy, because:
- they improve digestion (help in case of constipation) and metabolism;
- thanks to vitamin A, the immune system will be maintained, calcium will not be leached out of bones and teeth;
- Vitamin B1 supports the central nervous system;
- vitamins PP and B3 will relieve migraines (expand blood vessels);
- rich in iron (hemoglobin will increase in the blood) and vitamin C, essential for the expectant mother and child;
- apples normalize blood sugar.
For breastfeeding women, it is better to limit the consumption of red and yellow apples, because they can provoke an allergic reaction, the appearance of colic in an infant.
Important! During pregnancy and breastfeeding, green apples will be more beneficial for mom and baby - with a high content of vitamins, hypoallergenic, rich in iron, low-calorie.
The benefits of green apple for children:
- does not cause allergies;
- helps to train the gums in the process of teething (to give a peeled apple slice);
- good cleans teeth from plaque;
- less than red damages tooth enamel;
- provides the child's body with the necessary mineral complex and vitamins;
- boosts immunity and protects against viruses and bacteria.
The benefits of apples for digestion
Listing the beneficial properties of an apple for humans, it should be recalled that apples have traditionally been used as a remedy for gastric disorders (due to the beneficial effects of pectin). Malic and tartaric acids improve digestion and intestinal microflora. To prevent constipation, it is advisable to add baked apples to your menu.
Did you know? In the world there are about 10 thousand different varieties of apples. They differ in size and weight (from 30 to 500 g), shape, color, aroma, taste. Scientists-nutritionists have calculated that for optimal health, everyone needs to eat at least 48 kg of apples per year (about half - consume as juice).
The benefits of apples for the cardiovascular system
Potassium and catechins (antioxidants) in apples have a beneficial effect on the work of the heart muscle, improve blood circulation. Soluble fiber (pectin) reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Regular consumption of green apples reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 20%.
People who suffer from cardiac dystonia, sweet varieties of red apples are contraindicated.
Useful properties of apples for the gallbladder
Sweet and sour green apples act as a choleretic, help with dyskinesia. In the case of chronic cholecystitis, only freshly squeezed green apples should be eaten for a month in the morning for breakfast. The next meal or drink should be no earlier than 4-5 hours. For diseases of the gallbladder, it is also advised to drink half a glass of apple juice for 20 minutes. before meals.
The benefits of slimming apples
The fiber that is contained in apples, their low calorie content, pleasant taste and easy availability of this fruit made apples (first of all, green) one of the most common components of various weight loss diets. Already 2-3 apples a day or several glasses of apple juice will allow you to lose weight and normalize the body's metabolism.
It should be remembered that:
- with peptic ulcers, green apples are contraindicated (sweet varieties should be consumed);
- rub the apples should not peeled, with the skin;
- apples give a diuretic effect;
- for the best effect, they should be fresh, and heat treatment (if necessary) - the most minimal.
The benefits of apples for healthy teeth
The benefits to healthy teeth from apples are great - saturation with minerals and vitamins, gum massage. Once on the road, you can brush your teeth with an apple (use a piece of pulp as a toothbrush or just eat an apple and clean your teeth from plaque). But when consuming apples, remember that they contain a lot of acids. The effect of acid on the tooth enamel in the process of consuming apples (especially sour or sour-sweet) is known to “fill it with jelly”. Apple lovers have enamel damage more often. Dentists advise, after eating an apple, rinse your mouth (you can use a toothbrush no earlier than 30 minutes due to the softening of tooth enamel with acids. Cheese helps protect it - you should chew a small piece).
Liver helpers
Regular consumption of apples and apple juice has a beneficial effect on the liver. Chlorogenic acid helps to remove oxalic acid, contributes to the normal functioning of the liver. Soluble pectins remove bad cholesterol. Apples are real helpers of the liver in detoxifying the body - they remove carcinogens, heavy metals.
The benefits and harm of peel and seeds of apples
Apple peel contains the lion's share of vitamins, minerals and oxidants - the benefits of its consumption even exceed the benefits of pulp consumption: querticin fights inflammation, ursolic acid reduces fat deposits, etc. Therefore, you can often find recommendations to eat the whole apple, with the peel and seeds . If apples are grown in ecologically clean regions, there will not be much harm from this (if apples are not coated outside with wax and diphenyl, in this case it is necessary to peel the whole skin with a knife).
The benefits of apple seeds are due to the presence of:
- iodine (daily need can be satisfied with 10 apple seeds) - improves memory, improves tone;
- Vitamin B17 (amygdalin glucoside or letrile) - has an anticarcinogenic effect, improves the immune system, increases efficiency;
- potassium (up to 200 mcg) - easily digested, important for the heart and bones.
Important! Nutritionists recommend taking 5-6 apple seeds daily.Grains of an apple can also cause harm to the body: the benefits of letrile, which splits in the body into hydrocyanic acid, can in the case of excessive consumption of apple seeds turn into harm - lead to poisoning with hydrocyanic acid. The use of apple seeds during pregnancy and feeding with breast milk is contraindicated.
The use of apples in traditional medicine
Traditional medicine has long used in its practice the healing and healing properties of apple trees. Both the fruits themselves and the leaves, twigs and flowers of the trees are used.
The benefits of apple tea
Apple tea is one of the most common remedies in traditional medicine for colds, urolithiasis, chronic rheumatism, sclerosis. This tea contains the whole range of nutrients, as well as in a ripe apple, with the exception of fiber and vitamin C (does not tolerate heat treatment). You can compensate for this by slices of apple, sliced into tea, and lemon juice. Regular consumption of such tea will help:
- normalize digestion;
- regulate pressure;
- remove bad cholesterol from the body;
- replenish vitamins and minerals;
- reduce excess weight.
For the preparation of apple tea using fresh and dried apples, apple buds and flowers. To taste it is added black or green tea, mint, honey, cinnamon. Especially useful will be such a tea during diets and for those who adhere to posts.
Tincture of apple leaves with a cold
The benefits of apple leaves for the body is obvious: there is more vitamin C in them than in the fruits of apples. Infusions of apple leaves are used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and colds.
Recipe number 1:
- 20 g dry apple leaves pour boiling water (200 ml);
- add apple vinegar (1 teaspoon);
- insist 60 minutes;
- drink twice a day for half a cup of warm.
Recipe number 2:
- dry apple leaves (2 tablespoons) pour boiling water (2 cups);
- 15 minutes. insist on a water bath;
- cool for 45 minutes and strain;
- drink 3-4 times a day for half a cup before meals.
To effectively gargle with such an infusion with laryngitis and sore throat, you can flush your nose.
Did you know? Apple leaves can be fermented and brewed as regular tea. Fresh leaves are spread out on a tray for five hours (so that they get a little dry), then pass them through a meat grinder, put into a glass container and cover with several layers of gauze. Leave on time (up to 20 hours) in a warm and humid place. After this, the mass will turn brownish and an apple-honey smell will appear. The last operation - pour on a baking sheet and dry in the sun (oven). Sign of readiness - when lightly pressed, the "tea leaves" are scattered.
Ointment for healing cracks, wounds and abrasions
Apple puree of sweet and sour apples has long been used to heal wounds, relieve skin inflammation, and burns. At home, it is not difficult to make an ointment from an apple for healing wounds, cracks in the corners of the lips and on the nipples, abrasions:
- grind (grated or using a blender) apple;
- add fat (goose or pork) to the mass (1x1);
- Apply to the wound three to four times a day, while healing the cracks - wash the skin with soap and apply ointment overnight.
How to use apples in home cosmetology
Apples are especially useful for women whose body experiences menopause (due to boron, phlorizin reduces the risk of osteoporosis). To the question "What else are useful apples for women?" The answer will be - apples help to become even more beautiful, rejuvenate, nourish and refresh the skin.
Home cosmetology uses fruits, juice of apples, infusions of leaves and flowers. Methods of use:
- washing up. Avicenna recommended washing with a decoction of the leaves of apple trees to get rid of acne. It will be useful for normal skin washing broth, cooked in a water bath, from the peel of green apples and orange peels. For any skin, washing with distilled water with apple cider vinegar (1 tsp. Per half liter) is suitable;
- massages The skin of the face and neck is massaged by a sliced apple slice. For oily skin should take sour apples, for more dry - sweeter. Frozen leaf decoction works effectively - massage with ice cube.
A special theme is the use of apple masks. These masks are easy to prepare at home for any skin type.
Universal masks:
- bake a green apple, make a puree out of it, mix it with an egg mixer (applesauce should be more), apply on the skin and rinse with room water after 10 minutes;
- Grate the green apple on a grater (1 tbsp. l.), boil 40 ml of cream, put mashed potatoes in cream, boil for two minutes and leave for half an hour. On face, hold for 30 minutes, rinse with cool water;
- peel an apple, grate and squeeze the juice. Apply a greasy cream to the skin and apply the resulting mass on top. In 20 minutes. wipe your face with wet and dry wipes; Masks for oily skin:
- mix a teaspoon of honey with a grated apple and a tablespoon of ground oatmeal or oatmeal in a coffee grinder. Маску носить 20 минут, смывать теплой водой;
- 2 tbsp. l тертого яблока перемешать с крахмалом (1 ч. л.), нанести на лицо и смыть через 20 минут. A mask of apple juice (1 tsp), cottage cheese (2 tsp.), Half of yolk and camphor oil (1 tsp.) Effectively acts on dry skin. The mask should be worn for 20 minutes, then rinse first with warm, then cold water.
Hair masks:
- Mix a tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of ground apple, apply to damp hair for half an hour. Wash hair with shampoo;
- Pour five tablespoons of grated apples with half a liter of warm milk, hold for two hours. Drain excess milk and rub the apple into the hair roots and hair. After half an hour, wash off.
How to store apples in winter
How to store apples in the winter is a very topical issue for fruit lovers. Fresh apples are best stored in a cool and dark place. Much depends on the keeping quality of the variety. Summer stored 2-4 weeks, winter - 2-3 months or more. For better storage, you need to select the whole, not damaged fruit. Before putting into storage in a cardboard or wooden container, fruits are not washed (you can wipe with a cloth with glycerin), they are wrapped in paper and sprinkled with dry sawdust or peat chips. 
Important! It is important to determine in time the degree of ripeness of apples and the correct time for harvesting. Unripe apples do not ripen during storage (like pears or persimmon).It can be stored in special pits (up to 50 cm deep) in the suburban areas. The bottom of the pit spread spruce or pine branches, apples are placed in a package of cellophane, tightly closed and covered with earth.
Dried apples should be stored in glass containers with an airtight lid (do not allow an increase in humidity).
Frozen apples are stored for up to a year in the freezer without losing their qualities.
Is it possible to eat apples during gastritis
People suffering from high acidity, you can eat apples sweet varieties. When exacerbation of gastritis is better to switch to baked apples without sugar.
Green apples are used in special diets for treating gastritis. They are rubbed and eaten during the first month every day (you need to eat early in the morning so that there is 4-5 hours left before breakfast). The next month - grated apples are taken three times a week, the third - once a week. At the same time it is necessary to adhere to the prescribed diet. 
Contraindications and harm to apples
The possible harm from apples is small. Overeating can cause colitis. Passion for apple monodiets can also lead to disorders, the abundance of malic acids - to provoke inflammation in the gallbladder. Excessive enthusiasm for apples will also affect the state of the tooth enamel (it becomes thinner).
Did you know? During storage, apples are able to secrete ethylene. Thanks to him, there is an accelerated ripening of nearby other fruits. This property can be used for ripening pears. Storing potatoes and apples in one place will reduce the shelf life of potatoes and the unpleasant smell and starchy taste of apples.You should also know under what diseases can not eat apples. This is, above all, ulcerative diseases of the duodenum and stomach. For chronic colitis, severe inflammation of the gallbladder and urolithiasis, it is better to treat mashed baked apples.
