Doctors told how many apples can be eaten without harm to health

Two large apples a day can be eaten without harm to health, while their color does not matter, but it is better to alternate between different types, since each contains different nutrients, according to doctors interviewed by RIA Novosti.

On Monday, according to the Orthodox calendar, the Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated, or Apple saved.

"The World Health Organization recommends eating at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day. At the same time, you need to watch that the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates is in a certain proportion. 

On average, you get two large apples a day, without fear of harm," - said the head of the Consultative and Diagnostic Center "Healthy and Sports Nutrition" of the FIC Nutrition and Biotechnology, therapist, nutritionist Ekaterina Burlyaeva.

She noted that apples contain a fairly large amount of dietary fiber, which are complex carbohydrates that help to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. 

In addition, dietary fiber is a substrate for growing positive microflora in the intestine, and is also able to remove excess cholesterol and glucose in the body, the nutritionist said.

According to her, apples also contain various trace elements, such as magnesium, manganese, copper, calcium, as well as vitamins of groups B, C, E. However, their content is not so large as to get a daily intake, the doctor noted.

"Red apples contain anthocyanins that give color. Anthocyanins are important substances that are antioxidants, they protect our body from aging. 

In addition, they are necessary for vision. But it should be noted that anthocyanins in apples are not as much as they cannot be considered a source, "Burlyaeva emphasized.

In turn, dietitian Natalya Kruglova added that apples also contain iron and potassium, but their content is not so great. According to experts, it is difficult to choose the most useful type of apples, it is better to use a little of all - green, yellow and red, since each contains a certain benefit.

Apples are a unique product, since they can be eaten by almost everyone, Burlyaeva said. Contraindications are only peptic ulcer in the acute phase and the postoperative period.

"In general, even with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, apples can be consumed, the main thing is to know in what form. Raw apples are suitable for people with insufficient production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. 

If a person, on the contrary, has an excess of hydrochloric acid, heartburn, then apples are recommended for him in baked form, but in baked apples, of course, not all vitamins are stored, "the nutritionist explained.

Doctors agree that you should not eat apples on an empty stomach, as well as in the evening, but in general they are perfect for snacks. You can also treat yourself to apple chips that are cooked without butter, Burlyaeva added.