"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Among the many fruits, the apple can be considered the most common and gentle, but its nutritional value should not be underestimated. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it can "promote the production of body fluids, moisten the lungs, strengthen the spleen, and whet the appetite." Nutritional analysis points out that apples contain the most fructose, as well as various organic acids, pectin, and trace elements.
Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that not only promotes cholesterol metabolism and effectively lowers cholesterol levels, but also helps to expel fat from the body. The trace element potassium in apples can dilate blood vessels, which is beneficial for people with hypertension. Zinc is also essential for the human body; its deficiency can lead to disturbances in glucose metabolism and a decline in sexual function.
Eating raw apples, in addition to obtaining the above benefits, can also regulate the digestive system because they are rich in fiber, which aids in bowel movements. On the other hand, it is also beneficial for those with diarrhea because malic acid has an astringent effect. However, it should be noted that for chronic diarrhea of the type involving a weak and cold spleen and stomach, the apple must be wrapped in tin foil and stewed until cooked before eating.
Apples are nutritious and low in calories, making them very popular among people on a diet. In terms of food therapy, boiling apple peel with a few slices of ginger and drinking the water can stop vomiting. Pairing apples with pears can reduce the cold nature of pears and has the effect of strengthening and moistening the lungs and stomach. Boiling several apples and pears with a lily bulb, 15 grams of Dendrobium, and 9 grams of both bitter and sweet apricot kernels in water can moisten the lungs and relieve cough.