As is well known, apples are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are all natural antioxidants and particularly effective in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Apples contain much more calcium than ordinary fruits, which can help metabolize excess salt and aid in weight loss.
However, it is less well known that apple cores contain cyanide. Australian researchers have found that apples contain small amounts of a harmful substance—cyanide. A large accumulation of cyanide in the body can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and rapid breathing, and in severe cases, coma may occur.
But there is no need to worry too much. The cyanide in apples is mainly present in the core, not in the flesh. It should be noted that while the habit of eating the core when eating an apple will not immediately lead to poisoning, doing so long-term is indeed detrimental to health.
If you can't eat the core of an apple, what about the wax on the apple skin?
Many people who eat apples without peeling them often feel an oily and waxy sensation on the surface, leading to concerns about whether this layer of wax is harmful to the body. Fan Zhihong explains that the wax on the fruit skin mainly comes in three situations: the apple's surface naturally has a layer of fruit wax, which is a lipid component and a plant protective layer formed on the apple's surface. It can effectively prevent external microorganisms, pesticides, etc., from invading the flesh, playing a protective role; some high-end apples have wax added artificially. This "artificial fruit wax" is actually a chitosan substance, mostly extracted from crustaceans like crabs and shellfish. This substance itself is harmless to the body, and its main function is for preservation, preventing apples from rotting and deteriorating during long-distance transportation and long-term storage. Removing this layer of edible wax is also very simple; it can be washed off with hot water.
What people should actually worry about is the third type of wax—illegal vendors using industrial wax to polish fruits. The mercury and lead contained in it may penetrate from the peel into the flesh, causing harm. Therefore, when selecting waxed fruits, you can wipe the surface with your hand or a napkin. If a faint red layer can be wiped off, do not buy it, as it is very likely industrial wax.
Also, it should be known that the apple peel is more nutritious than the flesh.
There are many varieties of apples, not only crisp and sweet Gala, Fuji, and Guoguang apples, but also soft Banana apples. There are both domestic local apples and imported Snake apples that have traveled across the ocean to Beijing. With so many varieties of apples, which one is the most nutritious? Fan Zhihong, a PhD from the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the College of Food Science at China Agricultural University, told reporters that while there are indeed many varieties of apples, their nutritional value is largely the same. You should still choose apples based on your personal taste and preference.
The debate over whether apples should be eaten peeled or with the skin on has been going on for a long time. Fan Zhihong stated that from a purely nutritional perspective, it is definitely better to eat them with the skin on. This is because, compared to the flesh, the apple peel is indeed rich in nutrients, has stronger antioxidant properties, and can prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension.
As the saying goes: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So, what are the benefits of eating apples?
Stop diarrhea:
Apples contain more pectin than other fruits, which helps balance intestinal flora and prevent diarrhea. Suggestion: When you have diarrhea, you can eat an apple every few hours. It is best to cook the apple to soften the cellulose and relieve intestinal peristalsis.
Prevent asthma:
A British study found that adults who eat at least two apples a week can reduce their risk of asthma by one-third. Another study found that mothers who eat apples during pregnancy can significantly reduce their children's risk of asthma before the age of five. Suggestion: The antioxidants in apples are mainly in the peel, so it is best to eat an apple with the skin on every day.
Boost immunity:
Eating apples helps stimulate the production of antibodies and white blood cells, enhancing the body's ability to fight disease. Suggestion: Eat an apple a day.
Lower blood pressure:
Multiple studies have found that apple cider vinegar can lower blood pressure. A recent study found that women who eat 75 grams of dried apples daily can lower their bad cholesterol levels by 25% while increasing good cholesterol. Suggestion: In addition to eating an apple a day, drink some apple cider vinegar appropriately.