Most people believe that fruits have a cooling nature and that eating fruits during a cold can worsen the condition. However, some people argue that fruits are rich in vitamin C, and consuming 1000 milligrams of vitamin C daily can effectively reduce the frequency of colds. Many fruits are packed with nutrients and have high nutritional value. Take apples, for example. Can you eat apples when you have a cold?
Nutritional Value of Apples
Apples have a sweet and slightly sour taste. They contain glucose, proteins, fructose, fats, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, potassium, calcium, as well as malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and other nutrients. Apples are both comprehensive and easily digested and absorbed by the human body. Eating apples can promote salivation, quench thirst, moisturize the lungs, soothe irritability, invigorate the spleen and stomach, nourish the heart, lubricate the intestines, relieve diarrhea, and relieve heat and hangover.
Can You Eat Apples When You Have a Cold?
Eating apples when you have a cold can stimulate the body's disease-fighting tissues and the special substance in apples, known as the anti-cold factor, can directly combat cold viruses. Additionally, the abundant vitamin C in apples can help boost immunity. Therefore, eating apples can effectively fight off colds and improve respiratory and lung function.
Benefits of Eating Apples
1. The pectin and chromium in apples can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, regulate blood sugar, and effectively lower cholesterol.
2. Vitamin C in apples not only helps prevent colds but is also an essential element for protecting the cardiovascular system. It is suitable for individuals with heart disease.
3. Apples are rich in vitamin C, organic acids, pectin, and flavonoids. Eating an apple a day can effectively prevent cancer, promote intestinal peristalsis, facilitate bowel movements, detoxify, and lower blood lipid levels.
How to Maximize the Nutritional Value of Apples
Eating Apples Raw
Eating apples raw allows for the full absorption of vitamins, organic acids, pectin, and flavonoids. It promotes intestinal peristalsis, lowers blood lipid levels, and prevents colds.
Cooking Apples
Although cooking apples may result in some loss of vitamins, the majority of the nutrients are preserved. Cooked apple pectin can have an adsorption effect and help relieve diarrhea. It is suitable for individuals with weak gastrointestinal function and frequent diarrhea.
Home Remedy for Treating Colds with Apples
Peel and wash five apples, cut them into small pieces, and boil them in a pot with one liter of water. Let it simmer for about five minutes, then turn off the heat. Once the apples have cooled naturally to around 40 degrees Celsius, add an appropriate amount of honey and a little lemon juice, mix well, and consume daily. This remedy can effectively prevent and treat colds.
Precautions When Eating Apples
Do Not Eat Apple Seeds
Apple seeds contain a small amount of hydrogen cyanide, which is harmful to the body. Accumulation of hydrogen cyanide can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and increased breathing rate. In severe cases, it can lead to unconsciousness.
Avoid Eating Apples with Seafood
Apples contain a large amount of lactic acid. Consuming them with seafood can reduce the effectiveness of protein and may cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
