Apples are generally eaten raw, as this is the best way to preserve their water-soluble vitamins. Combining apples with pork is not common in most households, but it does have unique benefits, as apples can eliminate the distinct odor of pork.
Pairing apples with pork both increases nutritional value and helps inhibit cholesterol levels, as the dietary fiber in apples has the effect of lowering cholesterol.
Eating cooked apples can help prevent and treat internal heat conditions such as sores on the lips, inflamed gums, and cracked tongue. The method is: cut the apple, with the skin on, into six to eight pieces, place them in a pot of cold water, and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, remove the apples and eat them, skin and all. Consume one apple once a day for 7-10 days to see improvement. This method also has the benefit of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It has been tested by many patients and proved to be very effective.
In folk medicine, using cooked apples to treat diarrhea is very common. This is because pectin, a water-soluble dietary fiber abundant in apples, cannot be digested by the human body. Pectin can absorb water in the intestines, making stool softer and easier to pass. In fact, pectin also has functions such as lowering plasma cholesterol levels, stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the immune system. Furthermore, the iodine content in cooked apples is 8 times that of bananas and 13 times that of oranges, making cooked apples one of the best fruits for preventing and treating goiter.
Foreign research has also found that when apples are heated, the content of their natural polyphenol antioxidants significantly increases. Polyphenols can not only lower blood sugar and blood lipids, inhibit free radicals to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but also inhibit the rise of plasma cholesterol. It is clear, therefore, that eating cooked apples is highly beneficial. Below, I recommend several ways to add apples to pork dishes:
Apple Pork Balls: Half an apple, one slice of bread, one egg, and one portion of pork. First, chop the apple into small pieces, tear the bread into crumbs, and mix with the apple, egg, and pork to form balls, then pan-fry them. The flavor is delicious and light, making it suitable for the elderly. It allows for the absorption of the rich protein from pork while also taking in the pectin from apples, ensuring that plasma cholesterol does not rise. It is both nutritious and scientific.
Apple Pork Soup: Ingredients include pork, apples, carrots, and dried red dates. Boil the pork in water for 5 minutes, then remove it. Add it back to the pot with the apples and more water, and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 hours. Add seasonings and dried red dates before serving. This soup has the function of stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Stewed Pork with Apples: Several apples, cut into pieces; one piece of pork with the skin on; some peanuts; and some longan flesh. Add all ingredients except the pork to the pot. If you have a cold constitution, you can add a piece of dried tangerine peel. Bring the water to a boil, then add the pork and simmer for about an hour. This stew has the effects of clearing the mind, moistening the lungs, and warming the stomach. It is especially beneficial for the skin in dry weather.
It should be noted that cooking apples will destroy some of their water-soluble vitamins. Also, when cooking, apples should be washed and cored, as the skin may have pesticide residue and the core contains toxins, which could cause poisoning if not removed.