As the saying goes, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are a popular fruit, nutritious and enjoyed by many. However, to reap their full benefits, they must be eaten correctly. So, is it good to eat apples at night? And who should avoid eating them? Let's find out!
Is it good to eat apples at night?
Generally, it's better to eat fruit between meals, about 2 hours after a meal and 1 hour before. In the UK, there's a saying that "fruit in the morning is gold, from noon to 3 p.m. is silver, from 3 to 6 p.m. is copper, and after 6 p.m. is lead." Eating fruit in the morning aids digestion and absorption, promotes bowel regularity, and its sweet and sour taste can refresh the mind and contribute to a good mood for the day. Conversely, eating fruit before sleep is not good for digestion. This is especially true for fruits high in fiber, which can be unhealthy for those with poor gastrointestinal function. Cool melons should be eaten even more sparingly before bed.
The tannic acid and organic acids in apples have an astringent effect; pectin and cellulose can absorb bacterial toxins, thus promoting bowel regularity and stopping diarrhea. Organic acids and cellulose can also promote intestinal peristalsis, thereby aiding bowel movements. Therefore, to treat chronic diarrhea and constipation, eating one apple on an empty stomach in the morning and evening daily can be effective. For treating watery diarrhea, use a semi-ripe apple, boil it with an appropriate amount of water, and consume it along with the soup.
But be careful not to eat too many. Apples contain a large amount of malic acid, vitamin C, and citric acid. Eating too many apples on an empty stomach can cause a chemical reaction with stomach acid, forming hard-to-dissolve lumps that can lead to acute gastritis.
Moreover, eating apples on an empty stomach can help expel toxins from the body, and you may feel the urge to defecate not long after. It's best to eat apples half an hour before a meal, as it can reduce calorie intake by 30% and is very beneficial for the body.
Eating apples half an hour after a meal is not scientific. Apples are astringent foods, which can cause food to stay in the gastrointestinal tract for too long. Those prone to constipation should not get into the habit of eating apples after a meal. Also, shortly after a meal, the tannic acid in apples combines with protein to form tannic acid protein, which is difficult to digest and can cause further bloating. Therefore, it's better to eat apples two hours after a meal.
Who should avoid apples
1. Patients with ulcerative colitis: Patients with ulcerative colitis should not eat raw apples, especially during an acute flare-up. The intestinal wall is ulcerated and thinner, and the hard texture of apples, combined with the stimulation of 1.2% crude fiber and 0.5% organic acid, is very detrimental to the healing of the ulcerated surface and can mechanically induce complications such as intestinal perforation, dilation, and obstruction.
2. Patients with leukopenia or benign prostatic hyperplasia: Patients with leukopenia or benign prostatic hyperplasia should avoid eating raw apples, as it may worsen their symptoms or affect treatment outcomes.
3. Patients with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, kidney disease, or diabetes should consume with caution.
4. Individuals who usually have symptoms of a cold stomach should avoid eating raw apples.