Introduction: Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide. A large accumulation of cyanide in the body can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, it may cause coma.
As is well known, apples are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, polyphenols, and flavonoids, all of which are natural antioxidants and particularly effective in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Apples contain much more calcium than most other fruits, which can help metabolize excess salt and aid in weight loss.
However, it is less well-known that apple seeds contain amygdalin. Researchers have found that apple seeds contain small amounts of this harmful substance. A large accumulation of cyanide in the body can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, it may cause coma. It should be noted that while eating the core of an apple is not immediately toxic, doing so over the long term is indeed detrimental to your health.
The potential "toxicity" danger of apples: Coloring agents to enhance redness
Nowadays, people often complain that "fruits don't taste like they used to." This is because many fruits are grown with an excessive use of growth hormones, ripening agents, and expanding agents, or excessive preservatives are used during storage. Even during sale, coloring agents, waxing, and bleaching may be used to cater to consumers' tendency to judge fruit by its appearance. These chemically treated fruits have become a serious public health hazard.
The dangers of eating apples: Expanding agents to increase size, ripening agents to enhance color, and preservatives for freshness. The excessive use of these chemicals can harm the liver. Retail vendors may also apply industrial wax to apples to retain moisture and make them look fresh and appealing.
So, what should you do if the apple peel has wax on it?
From a nutritional perspective, apples should be eaten with the peel on, as the peel contains more antioxidants compared to the flesh. In fact, the wax on an apple's peel is mainly of three types:
The first type is the natural fruit wax that the apple itself produces. This is a lipid substance, a plant-based protective layer on the apple's surface that effectively prevents microbes and pesticides from penetrating the flesh. This type of wax does not need to be removed.
The second type is an edible artificial wax added to some imported apples. This "artificial fruit wax" is actually a chitosan substance, often extracted from crustaceans like crabs and shellfish. This substance is harmless to the body and is primarily used for preservation to prevent apples from rotting during long-distance transport and storage. Removing this wax is simple; just rinse it with hot water.
The third type is industrial wax, which may contain mercury and lead that can seep from the peel into the flesh, posing a health risk. To identify it, rub the apple's surface with your hand or a tissue. If a faint red substance comes off, it is likely industrial wax.
Different colored apples have different health benefits
The color of an apple can indicate its health benefits. For example:
Red apples: More beneficial for the heart, improving memory and maintaining a healthy urinary system;
Green apples: More beneficial for strong teeth and bones;
Yellow apples: Can strengthen the human immune system and are also good for preventing certain types of cancer.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the health benefits of apples of different colors each have their own focus.
Red apples benefit the heart: They have a stronger effect in lowering blood lipids and softening blood vessels, protecting cardiovascular health. The elderly can eat more of them.
Green apples: They have the effect of nourishing the liver and detoxifying, and can help fight depression, making them more suitable for young people. Additionally, green apples can promote teeth and bone growth and prevent gum bleeding.
Yellow apples: They are very good for protecting vision. Office workers who frequently use computers can consume them appropriately.
The lovely apple—the "general practitioner"
As early as ancient Egypt, people regarded apples not just as food, but also as a medicinal herb. Canadian research has shown that apple juice in a test tube has a powerful effect in killing infectious viruses. People who eat more apples have a much lower chance of catching a cold compared to those who do not eat or eat few apples.
Apples contain a significant amount of potassium, which can combine with excess sodium in the body and help excrete it. When a person consumes too much sodium, eating some apples helps balance electrolytes in the body. Elements like phosphorus and iron in apples are easily absorbed by the intestinal wall, helping to nourish the brain and blood, and have a calming and sleep-inducing effect. The aroma of apples is a good remedy for depression and feelings of suppression. Experts have found through numerous experiments that among various scents, the aroma of apples has the greatest psychological impact on people, significantly reducing feelings of psychological stress. Clinical use has shown that after patients with mental depression smell the aroma of apples, their mood improves significantly, they feel relaxed and happy, and their sense of depression disappears. Experiments have also shown that for patients with insomnia, smelling the scent of apples before bed can help them fall asleep more quickly. Squeezing fresh apple juice and drinking 100ml three times a day for 15 consecutive days as a course of treatment can lower blood pressure for patients with hypertension.
Therefore, some scientists and doctors call apples "all-round healthy fruits" or "general practitioners".