Apple is one of the fragrant and tasty fruits that have many vitamins and nutrients. It has been said since ancient times that eating an apple a day will save you from going to the doctor. In this text, the properties of this fruit and also You will know dried apple for health:
Apple is one of the most beneficial and healthy fruits available to us. According to the documents and also the opinion of historians, the main origin of the apple was in the cold regions of Northern Europe and from there it was transferred to other parts of the world. Apple is one of the first fruits known by man.
Human civilization has long been associated with apples, so that apples are a sign of love and fertility, friendship, beauty, happiness, health, knowledge, happiness, strength, etc.
what is an apple
Apple with the scientific name of Malus Domestica and the English name of Apple is a plant from the rose family and is included in the consumption group of astringents. This tree grows up to a height of 10 to 12 meters and its leaves are alternate, egg-shaped with serrated or crescent-shaped margins. The flowers of this tree are white or pink in the cluster of non-massive umbrellas.
The fruit of the tree appears in various sizes and colors and the most famous of them are red, green and yellow apples with sour, sweet and sweet tastes. This tree was originally native to Europe and South Asia, but today it is planted and cultivated in all parts of the world. In Iran, this tree is grown in most of the provinces and it is considered native to some parts of Iran.
In the northern hemisphere of the earth, in the summer season, the apple harvest season arrives, and they are immediately sent to cold stores for storage. In Iran, apples are harvested in the middle of summer and are marketed fresh, some of them are exported or stored in cold stores.
In the flowering season, the leaves and flowers of the tree are collected and dried at 45 degrees Celsius, the resulting powder is refined and used to prepare tea and produce herbal medicines.
Properties of apples
Based on the same famous proverb that says that eating an apple a day will make you not need a doctor because of the countless properties of apples, below are some examples of these properties:
Dried apples can help you lose weight
Apples are rich in fiber and water, these two properties make people feel full. In a study, people who ate slices of apples before eating felt more full than people who did not use apples. In the same study, those who started their meal with apple slices consumed an average of 200 fewer calories than those who did not.
In another 10-week study of 50 overweight women, participants who ate apples lost an average of 2 pounds (1 kg) overall, compared to those who ate oatmeal cookies with calories and fiber. They eat the same, they have consumed fewer calories. Researchers think that apples are more satiating, because it is true that they are less in terms of energy, but they deliver the same fiber and volume to the body.
In addition, some natural compounds in it may cause weight loss. A study on obese mice showed that mice supplemented with ground apples and apple juice concentrate lost more weight and had lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol than a control group.
Dried apples are good for the heart
Apple consumption is associated with reducing the risk of heart disease, one of the reasons for this may be that apples contain soluble fiber (a type of fiber that can help reduce blood cholesterol levels). Apples also contain polyphenols that have antioxidant effects. Many of the antioxidants in apples are concentrated in the skin of this fruit.
One of these polyphenols is the flavonoid epicatechin, which is known to lower blood pressure. An analysis of studies showed that high consumption of flavonoids was associated with a 20% reduced risk of stroke. Flavonoids can prevent heart diseases by reducing blood pressure, reducing oxidation of “bad” LDL and acting as antioxidants.
Another study comparing the effects of eating an apple a day with taking statins (a group of drugs known to lower cholesterol) concluded that apples were almost as effective in reducing death from heart disease as the same drugs.
Another study associated the consumption of fruits such as apples and pears with a reduced risk of stroke. In this study, it was found that for every 25 grams consumed (about 1/5 cup of apple slices), the risk of stroke decreases by 9%.
Dried apples reduce the risk of diabetes
Several studies have linked eating apples to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, in one large study, eating an apple a day was associated with a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to no apples. Even eating just a few apples a week has a protective effect against diabetes.
It is possible that the polyphenols in apples prevent damage to beta cells in the pancreas, insulin beta cells are produced in the body and are often damaged in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2011 study found that people with pre-diabetes who ate a high-fiber diet had lower blood sugar levels than others.
In 2013, a cohort study was conducted and showed that people who consumed three servings of fruit juice per week, or the same amount of whole fruit as apples, had a 7% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to people who did not eat fruit. They have diabetes. Also, those who consume the most fiber have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Dried apples prevent cancer
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress that causes cell damage and the development of some cancers. Apples are a good source of antioxidants. A 2016 meta-analysis concluded that apple consumption may help reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and other types of cancer.
Other laboratory studies have proven the connection between apple plant compounds and reducing the risk of cancer. In addition, a study conducted on women showed that eating apples was associated with reduced cancer mortality, scientists believe that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of apples may be responsible for the possible cancer prevention effects. and reduce the mortality risk of this disease.
Dried apple improves the health of the brain and nerves
A laboratory study in 2019 showed that the quercetin compound in apples has a neuroprotective effect, probably because it prevents the creation of reactive species in the nerve. It seems, this combination can help to survive and continue the work of nerve cells.
In 2015, the results of a study in mice showed that high-dose quercetin supplementation may help protect cells from the type of damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Most of this research was focused on apple skin and flesh. However, apple juice may have benefits in reducing age-related brain aging.
In animal studies, apple juice concentrate has reduced harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brain tissue and reduced mental disorders. Apple juice helps preserve acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can decrease with age. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In the same way, researchers who helped old mice to eat apples, found that the memory levels of these mice have indicators that are similar to the functional symptoms of the memory levels of young mice, and this means that apples have the ability to restore the brain. .
Dried apple prevents stroke
An older study from 2000 looked at how apples affected the risk of stroke in 9,208 people. The researchers found that those who ate more apples had a lower risk of stroke. Apples contain many nutrients that may reduce the risk of stroke.
A 2017 review found that people who consume the most fiber seem to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. A medium apple, about 3 inches in diameter and weighing 182 grams, provides 4.37 grams of fiber. Of course, this depends on age and gender, about 13-20% of the daily requirement of an adult.
Dried apples are good for bone health
Eating fruits, especially apples, causes more bone density, which indicates bone health. Researchers believe that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in the fruit help strengthen bone density and strength. Some studies show that apples, in particular, may have a positive effect on bone health.
In one study, a number of women were given a meal that included fresh apples, peeled apples, applesauce, or no apple products. Those who ate apples lost less calcium than the control group. Based on this, it was concluded that apple consumption preserves calcium in the body and strengthens one’s bones.
Dried apple fights asthma
Antioxidant-rich apples may help protect one’s lungs from oxidative damage. A large study of more than 68,000 women found that those who ate the most apples had the lowest risk of developing asthma. Eating about 15% of a large apple per day is associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of developing this disease.
Apple skin contains a compound called quercetin flavonoid that can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. The presence of these two methods (regulating the body’s immune system and reducing allergies) may affect asthma and allergic reactions.
Dried apple is a probiotic and strengthens the good bacteria in the gut
Apples contain a lot of pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a probiotic, which means it feeds the good bacteria in one’s gut. A person’s small intestine does not absorb fiber during digestion, and the fiber instead travels to the person’s large intestine, where it can promote the growth of good bacteria.
These fibers are also converted into other useful compounds that circulate in the body. New research shows that this may be the reason for some of the protective effects of apples against obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Dried apples are rich in minerals
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, all of which are good for health. This fruit also provides a set of antioxidants for the body, antioxidants help to neutralize the activity of free radicals.
Free radicals are reactive molecules that can accumulate as a result of natural processes and environmental pressures. If many free radicals accumulate in the body, they can cause oxidative stress and this can lead to cell damage. These damages can also help to create a wide range of conditions including cancer and diabetes.
Different uses of apples
Apples, like other fruits, are consumed in many ways, below we describe these methods:
fresh fruit
As a fresh fruit, apple is a good item for cooking. Apart from being tasty and fragrant, this fruit has many health benefits for the body, mouth and teeth. This fruit can be a serving tool as well as a complete meal. They also make jam, marmalade, extract, sweat and juice from apple fruit.
Apple tea
Another way to consume apple fruit is to prepare tea from this fruit. You can use fresh apple pieces for tea or dry it and use dry apple slices. It can be safely said that apple tea is one of the most delicious and unique teas that have been used since the past. Needless to say, for example, dried apple fruit is used to prepare tea.
You can add 5 teaspoons of powdered leaves, flowers and plants or apple fruit itself to half a liter of water and filter the obtained solution after twenty minutes. You can drink this solution every day one hour after meals. Eat food. Instead of leaf and flower powder, you can use dried pieces or dry apple powder. The maximum daily consumption of this tea is three cups a day.
Apple tea has properties such as eliminating constipation, eliminating indigestion, eliminating digestive disorders in children, eliminating and preventing dementia, etc.
dried apple
After cleaning the apples, they cut them into slices and dry them in traditional and industrial methods. Dried apples have many uses just like their fresh fruit. Using this dried fruit as fruit chips has many fans, even Dried apple pieces can be used to decorate cakes and cakes, or after being powdered, they can be used as a flavoring for food, cakes and desserts.
How to prepare dried apples
In the home method of drying apples in the sun, it is better to have thin slices of apples so that they dry faster. Place the apples on a clean and dry cotton cloth or in a basket or on a stainless steel net. Try to use lint-free fabric as much as possible.
If you dry the apples in the open air, cover them with a clean and thin cloth and bring it inside the house at night so that the humidity of the night air and dew does not prevent them from drying. The approximate drying time of the leaves is 3 to 7 days, which of course depends on the climate of the region and may need more time.
In the sun, the cuttings dry earlier and faster than in the shade. Do not pile the apples on top of each other, because the air flow should move well between the fruits. Turn the apples several times a day until they are dry. Place the apples in a place above the ground so that maximum sunlight reaches them and air flows through them easily.
Information and medicinal compounds of apples
The leaves of the apple tree contain a variety of tannins, caffeic acid and aromatic compounds, the fruit of this tree contains a large amount of vitamin C, pectin and a moderate amount of potassium. These nutrients that we said are mostly hidden in the skin of the apple, so to benefit from them, it is better to consume the apple with the skin.
The raw flesh of the fruit contains large amounts of photochemical compounds such as ellagic acid and flavonoids. 100 grams of raw apple (a relatively large apple) can release 52 calories of energy, which is produced by the metabolism of 0.3 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 12.8 grams of carbohydrates, 2.4 grams of fiber and 10.4 grams of other natural sugars.
Apple parts used
The used parts of the apple tree include the fruit of this tree in fresh, dried and powdered form. Also, they prepare a variety of teas and teas from the dried leaves and flowers of this tree.
The use of apples in traditional medicine
In traditional medicine, I say that consuming one to two raw apples daily or at least 2 apples per week is beneficial and the user does not need to see a doctor. For the traditional use of this fruit, it has been mentioned to relieve diarrhea, digestive disorders such as indigestion and digestive disorders, especially children’s digestive disorders.
The research or confirmed cases about apples in modern medical science include the therapeutic effects of apples on curing or preventing heart diseases, curing and preventing asthma, and curing constipation.
Disadvantages of excessive use of apples
There is no contraindication for apple consumption and you can use it, considering that it is healthy, it does not have any precautions or interference with the drugs. In general, consumption in the recommended amount is not associated with any complications. However, products containing preservatives, such as apple compotes, should not be consumed in large quantities.
Also, because in the process of industrial drying, substances called sulfur are used, it is better to avoid using them too much, because these substances may cause cancer in the long run.
Key and important points about apples
- An apple tree lives more than 100 years! A healthy tree gives healthy fruits!
- The apple tree is more than 6000 years old and is cultivated.
- Apple trees bear fruit when they mature after 5 years.
- Apple is the only fruit that grows in the Mediterranean regions of the African continent
- Apple has many fancy names, it is described as “soft in the mouth” and “winter banana”.
Apple nutrition table
Apple consists of macronutrients and micronutrients according to the tables below, which make up its nutritional value.
The main ingredient in 100 grams
- Energy (calories) 243 kcal
- Carbohydrates 65.89 grams
- Protein 0.93 grams
- Fat 0.32 grams
- 31.76 grams of water
- Fiber 8.70 grams
- Sugar 57.19 grams
- Cholesterol 0.00 mg
Apple vitamins
Vitamin name, amount per 100 grams
- Vitamin A 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin D 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin E 0.53 mg
- Vitamin K 3.00 mcg
- Vitamin C 3.90 mg
- Thiamine (B1) 0.00 mg
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.16 mg
- Niacin (B3) 0.93 mg
- Choline (B4) 17.60 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.25 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.13 mg
- Folate (B9) 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.00 mg
Apple minerals
The name of the mineral, the amount per 100 grams
- Calcium 14.00 mg
- Iron 1.40 mg
- Magnesium 16.00 mg
- Phosphorus 38.00 mg
- Potassium 450.00 mg
- Sodium 87.00 mg
- Zinc 0.20 mg
- Copper 0.19 mg
- Manganese 0.09 mg
- Selenium 1.30 micrograms