Apples are very tasty and healthy fruits containing many vitamins, minerals, pectin and vegetable fiber. There are practically no contraindications for these sweet, sour or sour-sweet fruits with green, yellow and red peels. However, there are people who are not allowed to eat apples due to health conditions or other compelling reasons.
Apples are unique fruits, familiar to most, if not from birth, then from early childhood. They are eaten fresh, squeezed juice, added to salads, jam, compotes, baked in the oven or dried for the winter. However, not everyone knows that apple pulp and peel can be not only beneficial, but also harmful to the human body. That is why everyone needs to know who should not eat apples, and what contraindications exist for these tasty fruits for various serious diseases.
The benefits of apples
The beneficial properties of apples, both sour and sweet, are attributed to the unique composition of these fruits. Each fruit, regardless of the variety, contains:
- pectin, which breaks down cholesterol, has a choleretic and rejuvenating effect;
- vegetable fiber, which improves bowel function, causing a quick feeling of fullness, that is, reducing appetite, which is important when losing weight;
- vitamins C, P, E, B, participating in various life processes, increasing immunity and preventing the development of vitamin deficiency at any time of the year;
- trace elements that increase hemoglobin (iron), reduce nervous excitability (magnesium), strengthen bones and teeth (calcium, phosphorus), improve heart function (potassium),
- tannins, removing salts of heavy metals from the body, relieving inflammation;
- antibacterial phytoncides that help fight colds;
- antioxidants and acids (malic, tartaric) that break down fats and facilitate the work of the stomach.
Potential harm
Despite the benefits, apples can cause significant harm even to a healthy person. You should not eat them in large quantities and those who are on a diet, especially when choosing a fasting "apple" day. Due to the presence of fiber, apples can provoke an exacerbation of colitis in a child and an adult, indigestion, and loose stools. The maximum amount that is allowed to eat per day is 2-3 fresh fruits.
Here are some more reasons why you shouldn't eat apples if you can, but with great care.
- People with gastritis or stomach ulcers are not advised to eat apples due to the high acid content that aggravates the disease. Moreover, the maximum amount of tartaric and malic acid is contained in red varieties, they should not be consumed by ulcers.
- The sugar found in yellow, red and green fruits damages tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. Therefore, after the fruit is eaten, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. Also, due to the high sugar content, diabetics are not allowed to eat red varieties.
- Excessive use causes an increased production of gastric juice, provokes increased gas production, painful bloating.
- Apple seeds contain a lot of iodine and hydrocyanic acid, which is considered poisonous. Therefore, it is not recommended to swallow and chew them.
- The fruits sold in winter and early spring contain a lot of nitrates, chemicals used for rapid growth, ripening, and long shelf life. To maintain a presentable appearance, the peel is also covered with wax, which gives a glossy shine.
- Children under 9-10 months of age should not be given fruits at all in the form of mashed potatoes, juice, since they contain acids that are harmful to babies. Substances cause colic, fermentation in the stomach, bloating, diarrhea, pain, and fiber can even provoke intestinal obstruction in infants.
- Apples are completely contraindicated for those who are allergic to them or have an individual intolerance.
To reduce harm, you need to choose fruits of green or yellow color (red are the most allergenic), without a peel and core, seeds, and use them baked.
Brief conclusions
In order not to harm the body, you should follow some simple rules:
- less likely to buy fruit in the winter due to the high content of chemicals;
- do not give apples to children under 1 year old in any form;
- replace fresh fruits with baked ones, removing the peel and seeds;
- there are no more than 2-3 pieces per day.
The greatest benefits will be brought by zoned varieties grown in their garden. Fruits with signs of rot should not be eaten at all, so as not to harm the body even more.
