Baked apples on a diet: how to bake them properly for maximum benefits

General benefits for the body

Baked apples have many beneficial properties due to their unique composition. For example:

1. Improving the condition of the heart muscle, increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques.
2. Normalization of kidney function, reduction of swelling, removal of fine sand from the renal ducts.
3. Cleansing the intestinal walls from toxins.
4. Improving visual functions, preventing the development of eye infections.
5. Stimulation of brain functions, normalization of its blood circulation, blocking age-related changes and the development of atherosclerosis.
6. Strengthens gums and tooth enamel. Eliminates plaque, reduces tooth sensitivity, and reduces the risk of cavities.
7. Improves blood count, increases hemoglobin (red blood cell) levels, and reduces sugar levels.
8. Normalizes blood pressure and maintains optimal water and salt balance. Positive effects have been demonstrated in hypertension.
9. Protects cell membranes from oxidation, prevents the occurrence of malignant neoplasms and age-related pigmentation.
10. Strengthening the immune system, improving the general condition of the body.

Contraindications and health risks of baked apples

Baked apples have virtually no contraindications and pose no health risks. However, excessive consumption can cause diarrhea and colitis. Experts also recommend consuming this dessert with caution in the following cases:

• individual intolerance;
• exacerbation of a duodenal or gastric ulcer.

Despite the slight diuretic effect, baked apples should not be consumed in large quantities by people suffering from prostatitis, urolithiasis, prostate adenoma, etc.

Baked apples for weight loss

Baked apples are considered a dietary product, so including them in your diet while losing weight is perfectly acceptable. The main rule when eating them is to avoid increasing their energy value by adding honey, sugar, or other ingredients. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the dessert with cinnamon or make it with low-fat cottage cheese.

Rules of use

To ensure a delicious and highly nutritious dish using fresh apples, it's important to carefully select the variety and prepare the apples for baking, as well as strictly adhere to all the nuances of the process. When consuming the dish, follow a few basic rules:

• avoid overeating;
• use as a dessert after a main meal, with the exception of apples baked with various additives (cottage cheese, dried fruits, etc.);
• consume with the skin, as it contains most of the beneficial substances and vitamins.

How to bake apples at home

It's best to use an oven, slow cooker, or air fryer to prepare this delicacy. Experts believe that microwaving will destroy the fruit's vitamins and beneficial microelements. Cooking time depends on the variety, size, and type of filling. Test the delicacy with a toothpick to determine if it's ready.

Variety selection and preparation

Basic recommendations for choosing a variety:

1. People with low acidity are advised to give preference to sour varieties, and vice versa.
2. If you have problems with the cardiovascular system, only sweet varieties are allowed to be consumed.
3. People suffering from diabetes can use only green varieties for baking, and the fruits should not be overripe.

Before cooking, apples should be thoroughly washed under warm running water to remove germs and chemicals used to extend shelf life. Scalding the fruit with boiling water is the best solution.

Baked Apple Recipes

There are many options for preparing baked apples.

Microwave with honey, ginger and cinnamon

Necessary components:

• 3 apples;
• 5 g cinnamon;
• 15 g honey;
• 10 g crushed ginger root.

Preparation:

1. Mix honey, cinnamon and ginger.
2. Wash the apples and remove the seeds.
3. Place a small amount of the filling prepared from spices and honey into each fruit.
4. Place the dough on a baking sheet and place in the oven.

The baking temperature for apples should not exceed 200 °C.

Baked in its own juice with maple syrup

Components:

• 10 apples;
• 50 ml maple syrup.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the fruit: wash and remove the core.
2. Pour 1 teaspoon of maple syrup inside each fruit.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then place the apples on it.
4. Place in the oven.

Cooking time at 180°C will be approximately 30 minutes.

With cottage cheese and sesame seeds

Components:

• 3 apples;
• 7 g sesame;
• 100 g cottage cheese (0.1%);
• 10 g of honey.

Preparation:

1. Wash the fruits and remove the core.
2. Mix honey and cottage cheese, then stuff the apples with them.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Place the mixture into the multicooker bowl.
5. Set the "Bake" mode.

Cooking time: 40 minutes.

To add flavor to baked apples, it is recommended to place a cinnamon stick inside each fruit.

Baked apples are an incredibly tasty and healthy treat, with virtually no contraindications and no harm to the body when consumed correctly.