There are common sayings, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" and "Apples can help with weight loss." So, what specific component in apples is responsible for their "cleansing" effect on the intestines? How should one eat apples to maximize their benefits? Mom Cooks will teach you several ways to prepare apples for a healthy and non-monotonous diet.
Eating apples can cleanse the intestines
Apples are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and pectin, which can "sweep away" fat lingering in the gastrointestinal tract and lower blood cholesterol levels. Research shows that among hyperlipidemia patients who consistently eat apples, 80% have their cholesterol levels controlled and reduced. Those looking to lose weight can eat more apples, and replacing meals with apples can be even more effective. So, what is the specific mechanism behind apples "cleansing the intestines"?
Apples contain special substances such as tannic acid, pectin, and dietary fiber. Tannic acid is an intestinal astringent; it reduces intestinal secretions, decreasing water in the stool, thus stopping diarrhea. Pectin, on the other hand, is a "double agent." Raw, unheated pectin softens the stool and relieves constipation, but when cooked, it transforms into an astringent that stops diarrhea. Dietary fiber also promotes bowel movements. Tannic acid is found in both the flesh and the peel, with a higher concentration in the peel. Pectin is in the flesh, with a higher concentration near the skin. When you cook an apple and cut it in half, you'll notice a light-yellowish substance near the skin—that's pectin. Therefore, when eating a cooked apple, it's best to eat it with the peel for a better anti-diarrheal effect.
Besides "cleansing the intestines," apples have the following two main functions:
1. Lowering cholesterol levels
Eating apples can reduce blood cholesterol levels and increase bile secretion and bile acid function, thus preventing cholesterol from precipitating in the bile to form gallstones. One study found that among people who regularly eat apples, over 50% have cholesterol levels 10% lower than those who don't. Many people nowadays enjoy high-fat, high-calorie fast food, which is nutritionally void and can raise cholesterol levels. In such cases, you might consider eating more apples.
2. Lowering blood pressure
Apples contain a good amount of potassium, which can bind with excess sodium in the body and help excrete it. When you consume too much sodium, eating apples helps balance the body's electrolytes. Elements like phosphorus and iron in apples are easily absorbed by the intestinal wall, benefiting the brain, nourishing the blood, and calming the mind for better sleep. The aroma of apples is a good remedy for depression and feelings of oppression. Experts have conducted numerous experiments and found that among various scents, the aroma of apples has the greatest psychological impact, significantly alleviating feelings of mental stress.
Is an apple a day right for you?
Although apples are great for intestinal cleansing, if you suffer from stomach ailments and experience intestinal pain or waste buildup, it's not advisable to use apples to promote intestinal movement and bowel movements. This is mainly because malic acid in apples can increase stomach acid concentration, leading to stomach discomfort and worsening stomach conditions, so special attention is needed.
Three ways to eat apples
Apple and Black Rice Porridge
1. Apple Soup
Benefits: Promotes saliva production, replenishes qi, and stops diarrhea.
Ingredients: 250g apple, 20g sugar.
Method: Wash the apple and slice it. Add an appropriate amount of water and cook it into a juice. Add sugar and bring to a boil. Alternatively, you can squeeze the apple into juice, add sugar, and bring to a boil.
2. Apple Porridge
Benefits: Nutritious, with health-enhancing, beauty-improving, and heat-clearing functions.
Ingredients: 1 cup white rice, 1 apple, 2 tbsp raisins, water, 4 tbsp honey.
Method: Wash and drain the white rice. Wash the apple, slice it, and remove the seeds. Add 10 cups of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add the white rice and apple. When it boils, stir slightly, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Place raisins in a bowl and pour the hot porridge over them. Let the porridge cool to below 40°C before adding the honey, mix well, and serve.
3. Black Pepper Apple Beef Cubes
Benefits: Iron and blood-boosting, promotes recovery, and has anti-aging health benefits.
Ingredients: 300g beef tenderloin; 100g apple, appropriate amount of butter; appropriate amount of red wine; appropriate amount of oyster sauce and light soy sauce; appropriate amount of sugar; appropriate amount of black pepper; appropriate amount of garlic; 50g onion; 50g mushroom; appropriate amount of cooking wine.
Method: Prepare the beef, black pepper, and apple. Wash the apple, peel it, and cut into cubes, placing them in water to prevent oxidation. Also, dice the onion and mushroom. Cut the beef into cubes. Put the apple peel into the beef, add sugar, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands and marinate for 10 minutes. Heat a pan and add butter. Sauté the onion until fragrant. Remove the apple peel, add the marinated beef cubes to the pan. Add garlic and stir-fry together. When the beef changes color, add the mushrooms and continue to stir-fry evenly. Add another spoonful of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and red wine. Stir-fry evenly. Add the diced apple and continue to stir-fry. Sprinkle with crushed black pepper and stir-fry until the sauce has thickened.
Bacon snack