We've all heard that saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what if we told you that the way we eat apples makes all the difference—especially when it comes to green apples?
Today, we're breaking down not only the awesome benefits of green apples, but also 6 big no-no's you really need to avoid—and 3 smarter ways to eat apples that boost the results. Let's get into it!
Green apples are loaded with good stuff like minerals, vitamins, fiber, pectin, fruit acids, and folic acid. While all apples are healthy, green apples are especially good for young people because they're a bit more tart and less sugary. Here's what they can do for us:
1. Glowing skin and younger looks
The vitamin C in green apples helps fight off dark spots and slows down skin aging. It boosts our blood circulation and keeps our skin tissues active. Plus, the pectin inside acts like a broom for our digestive system—it helps clean things out and keeps us feeling light.
2. Helping with weight goals
Green apples are low in calories and contain almost no lipids, just like red apples. The apple acid and plant fibers inside help burn lipids and stop our body from taking in too many calories. But heads up: even though they're healthy, green apples still contain sugar, so we shouldn't overeat them.
3. Soothing a sensitive stomach
Got an upset tummy? Green apples can actually help! Apples make strengthen the stomach and heart, and they're especially great for those dealing with diarrhea.
4. Boosting our immune system
With all the vitamins and nutrients inside, green apples give our body's defense system a nice little push. Eating one apple a day is enough to help us stay balanced—but don't forget to chew slowly and rinse your mouth afterwards. The fruit acids can wear down our teeth if we're not careful.
Let's quickly compare green apples to red apples so we know which to choose depending on our needs:
• Color: Pretty straightforward—green apples are green, red ones are red.
• Taste: Green apples are crisp and more sour, while red apples are sweeter and softer (some even taste floury).
• Nutrition: Red apples usually have more vitamin C, but otherwise, they're similar.
1. Don't chew the apple core
Apple seeds and cores have small amounts of a harmful substance called hydrogen cyanide. Eating one by accident won't harm us right away, but if we keep chewing the core daily, it might slowly affect our health. Best to spit it out!
2. Watch out for waxed apples
To make apples look pretty, some sellers add wax or coloring to the skin. These can contain harmful chemicals that damage our liver. It's important to wash apples well, and if we're not sure about the wax, peeling the skin might be safer.
3. Don't mix apples with seafood
Green apples have a thing called tannic acid, which reacts badly with the protein in seafood. This combo can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and even vomiting. The same goes for fruits like strawberries, persimmons, and grapes—let's not mix them with seafood, either.
4. Avoid apples at night
Morning apples = gold. Night apples? Not so much. Eating apples late at night doesn't help our body and might even mess with digestion. Try to enjoy apples earlier in the day!
5. Don't eat apples right after dinner
We might think having a fruit right after a meal is healthy, but it's better to wait at least one hour. Eating apples right after dinner can actually make digestion harder.
6. Not for people with ulcerative colitis
If anyone is struggling with ulcerative colitis or other gut issues, raw apples may irritate their condition. They're a bit rough on the digestive tract due to the fiber and acids. Cooking the apple makes it gentler and easier to digest.
Sure, eating a plain apple is great, but switching things up can boost the nutrition and taste!
1. Turn it into juice
Juicing green apples makes them easier to digest and absorb. Plus, they can help ease hangovers and lower cholesterol. Just remember: never juice the core—it's toxic!
2. Bake them
We usually grill meats and veggies, but why not bake apples too? Try slicing off the top of the apple, scooping out the inside, and filling it with soaked raisins, brown sugar, and plant-based butter. Bake at 190°C for 40 minutes and voilà—a warm, cozy treat that's also good for boosting energy and easing low blood sugar.
3. Make apple porridge
Surprised? Apple porridge is super comforting and great for people with sensitive stomachs. Just cook apple slices with millet, and the nutrients melt into the porridge. It's gentle, warming, and perfect for people who feel that raw apples are too cold for their stomach.
Apples—especially green ones—are little powerhouses of nutrition. But like everything, it's not just what we eat, but how we eat it that really counts. Now that we've explored the benefits, dangers, and better ways to enjoy them, let's make the most of this crunchy, tangy fruit.
Lykkers, how do you usually eat your apples? Have you ever tried baking or making porridge with them? Tell us your favorite way—let's swap ideas and keep each other healthy!