Since ancient times in Russia, apples have been considered the most tasty and useful fruit. Even the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord was nicknamed the Apple Savior by the people. And this is quite true. After all, apples contain antioxidants that slow down the oxidation process; pectin, accelerating the excretion of harmful substances; tannins that prevent problems with the cardiovascular system. They have almost everything that our body needs: from vitamin C and iodine to natural acids.
But all these arguments about the extraordinary benefits of apples are fully applicable only to fruits grown in their own garden. The majority of purchased, especially imported, copies contain in their composition, in addition to vitamins and microelements, also completely unhealthy substances for our health, which are used by manufacturers in the process of growing and storage.
For example, waxing gives apples a salable appearance and contributes to their long-term storage. Natural wax was used for the preservation of fruit a few centuries ago, and, of course, it can not cause harm to the human body. However, the problem is that today waxing is carried out not by natural substances, but by artificially obtained petroleum products (polyethylene, ethers or microcrystalline wax). Such substances are simply dangerous to health, as they are considered carcinogenic. What to do if you want fruit, and a wide selection on the shelves, especially in winter, is not observed? Of course, it is better to use apples with peel, which accounts for up to 70% of all nutrients. But the skin is treated with harmful artificial paraffin, containing aromatic hydrocarbons, extremely negatively affecting our body. Hence, it should be removed. Here are a few options.
- If you are not ready to sacrifice the pleasure of eating an apple with the peel, then you should wash it thoroughly with a brush with the obligatory use of hot water and soap, better than household water.
- Another way is to put the apple for a few seconds in boiling water and then immediately wipe off the melted paraffin with a paper towel.
- In order to remove carcinogens from apples most fully, experts recommend, after machining, additionally soak them in cold water for at least an hour. It is believed that water partially takes away harmful substances. This advice is especially relevant when eating fruit by children and allergies.
- However, the first three methods do not guarantee complete removal from the peel of all elements hazardous to health, as part of them is absorbed deep into the pores. The safest option is to simply peel the fruit. Moreover, imported apples are treated with various chemicals right up to the harvest, and of course, most of them remain in the skin.
Important! To keep the maximum amount of nutrients in apples, use a stainless steel knife when cleaning and immediately eat them after processing.
