The benefits and harms of baked apples. A complete analysis of their properties.

Which apples are healthier: fresh or baked?

Heat-treated apples have almost the same beneficial effects on the human body as fresh fruit. This is because baking barely changes their composition, with the exception of vitamins C and B, which are depleted. However, in some cases, experts recommend baked apples. This dish is much healthier for those with high acidity, ulcers, and gastritis flare-ups. Baked apples are recommended for children and people who have difficulty digesting raw plant-based foods high in fiber.

Composition and calorie content of baked apples

Per 100 g of baked apples you will get:

• proteins – 0.5 g;
• fats – 0.4 g;
• carbohydrates – 43.6%;
• dietary fiber – 2.1%;
• water – 96 g.

Caloric content – ​​169.1 kcal.

The chemical composition of heat-treated fruits contains the following components:

Baked apples are characterized by a high content of dietary fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and regulates digestive processes.

What are the health benefits of baked apples?

The unique composition of apples gives them many beneficial properties.

General benefit

Baked apples have a positive effect on the human body, regardless of gender or age. Each component performs a specific function, for example:

• pectin – removes toxins and waste from the body, normalizes digestion, improves the condition of nails and hair;
• folic acid and potassium – strengthening the cardiovascular system;
• magnesium – strengthening the nervous system;
• iron – normalization of hemoglobin concentration;
• Vitamins A, E – improve the immune system and visual functions, stimulate regenerative processes.

During pregnancy

Baked apples saturate the body pregnant Women are rich in vitamins and beneficial microelements. This product also has several other benefits:

• elimination of constipation – a common problem during pregnancy;
• replenishment of the daily iodine requirement;
• stimulation of digestive and metabolic processes.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, a woman needs a large amount of beneficial micro- and macronutrients. However, getting them from fresh fruit is not recommended due to the high risk of intestinal fermentation and subsequent bloating. This has an adverse effect on the baby. Baked apples are an ideal option for expectant mothers due to their quick and easy digestibility.

For children

Baked apples' components strengthen the baby's skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. They also help treat intoxication and have antiviral and antibacterial properties. The iodine content of baked apples supports a child's mental development.

When losing weight

Baked apples are considered a dietary product, making them perfectly suitable for a diet menu. The main rule is not to increase the energy value of the fruit by adding various sweeteners.

Baked apples and health issues

Apples are a healthy food used not only in cooking but also in medicine. The properties of these fruits help alleviate the symptoms or completely eliminate a number of conditions. Apples also have a preventative effect.

For diabetes mellitus

Eating baked apples in moderation can help diabetics maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, the fruit's components have several other benefits:

• saturation of the body with micro- and macroelements;
• normalization of digestion;
• cleansing from excess cholesterol;
• decreased insulin levels.

For pancreatitis

Thanks to their low acidity, baked apples are easy to digest, without putting strain on the pancreas. The fiber contained in the fruit improves digestion and prevents bloating.

For gastritis

Heat-treated fruits do not irritate the stomach lining. However, during acute illness, experts recommend avoiding this product.

For the intestines

Baked fruits stimulate the digestive process and cleanse the intestinal walls due to their high content of dietary fiber.

For swelling

The product promotes the elimination of excess fluid from the body and normalizes kidney function. Eating one to two baked fruits daily helps remove fine sand from the kidneys and relieve pain caused by various pathologies.

For constipation and diarrhea

Baked apples soften the intestinal walls, remove feces, and eliminate constipation.

The product's antimicrobial and adsorbent properties help destroy pathogenic microflora in the intestines. This not only eliminates diarrhea but also normalizes gastrointestinal function.

For colitis

Baked apples are an ideal substitute for sweets, which are prohibited for those with colitis. People suffering from this condition are recommended to eat 1-2 apples daily. It's best to choose sweet varieties to prevent increased acidity.

For the liver

The substances contained in baked apples promote the natural restoration of liver cells, and vitamins and beneficial microelements support health not only of this organ, but of the organism as a whole.

For cholecystitis

The diet of a patient with cholecystitis is quite limited. However, baked apples are not included in the list of prohibited foods. They are acceptable to eat in small quantities, after peeling. During remission, cooked fruit can be eaten with sour cream or cottage cheese.

To boost immunity

Regular consumption of baked apples supports the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to colds and viruses. This effect is largely due to their rich vitamin C content. Experts recommend eating 2-3 apples daily, including the peel. For a child's health, 1-2 apples are sufficient.

Harm and contraindications

Baked apples are a healthy product with almost no contraindications and no harm to the body.

If the consumption rate is observed, baked fruits do not cause side effects.

However, in some cases, their consumption can trigger an allergic reaction. Typically, this occurs with red apples due to the pigment (beta-carotene) found in their peel. Baked apples may be contraindicated in those with acute gastrointestinal conditions.

How to Store Baked Apples

It is best to eat the cooked fruit immediately after it has cooled. If you need to preserve it, place it in a suitable container, cover it with a lid, and place it in fridgeThe permissible storage period is no more than 3 days.

Can it be frozen?

To use frozen baked apples in baked goods, purees, and all kinds of desserts, they need to be pre-prepared. This process involves several steps:

1. Peel the fruit, remove the seed box and cut into slices.
2. Bake in the oven, then let them cool.
3. Place the product into bags and place in the freezer.

Alternatively, baked fruit can be frozen whole. To do this, first spread the cooked and cooled fruit in a single layer in the freezer, then, after freezing, place it in a bag and return it to the refrigerator. The shelf life of such a product is 1 year.

How to eat baked apples properly

Baked apples are recommended after a main meal. This will speed up digestion and prevent stomach discomfort. Baked apples, when prepared with various additives, should be eaten as a standalone dish.

It's best to eat baked fruits with the peel, as it contains most of the beneficial microelements and vitamins. Also, don't ignore seeds Apples fortified with iodine. However, the daily intake should not exceed 7.

How much can you eat per day?

The recommended dosage of baked apples for adults is 2–3 medium-sized fruits, for children – no more than 2 pieces.

Is it possible to eat at night and on an empty stomach?

Eating baked apples before bed is not recommended due to their carbohydrate content. Furthermore, the strain on the intestines will lead to restless and unhealthy sleep.

Eating baked fruits on an empty stomach is recommended only if you need to quickly relieve constipation or when following a diet.

What goes well with baked apples?

All kinds of ingredients can be used to decorate baked fruits:

• ginger;
• nuts;
• dried fruits;
• cinnamon;
• various berries;
• raisins, etc.

Heat-treated apples pair well with the following foods:

How to Bake Apples Properly: Recipes

There are many ways to bake apples, each of which results in a delicious and healthy dish. The key is to use high-quality fruit.

In the oven

Baking fruit in the oven is the most common method, and thick-skinned, sweet-and-tart varieties are preferred. A wide variety of recipes can be used for preparing apples.

Ordinary:

1. Wash the fruits thoroughly, cut off the tops and remove the core.
2. If possible, fill with some filling or add a little butter.
3. Place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the oven.

The baking time for the dessert at 180°C is from 30 to 40 minutes.

Classical:

1. Prepare the apples: wash and core them.
2. Place the nut and honey filling inside the fruit.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon mixed with sugar.
4. Place the preparation on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for half an hour at 180°C.

Apple Boats:

1. Cut the prepared fruit into 2 equal parts.
2. Place skin side down on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes at 200°C.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and leave to cool.
5. Prepare a mixture by combining several ingredients:
   1. 100 ml of milk.
   2. 1 teaspoon starch.
   3. 3 tbsp. granulated sugar.
   4. 1 tsp cocoa.
   5. 1 egg yolk.
   6. 30 g butter.
6. Mix the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a homogeneous consistency, then bring to a boil.
7. Fill the apple halves with the prepared filling, place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

The volume of ingredients used to make the filling is calculated for preparing a dessert from 3 large fruits.

In the microwave

When baking apples in the microwave, you need to follow several recommendations:

1. Prick the fruits in several places with a sharp object to prevent them from cracking.
2. Sprinkle the dish with the juice released during cooking.
3. Leave the skin on the fruit when baking with filling to prevent it from falling apart under high temperatures.

Fruits can be cooked whole or cut into slices in the microwave.

In a multicooker

For this method, it's best to choose sweet and sour apple varieties. Bake the apples in the "Bake" mode for 30 to 40 minutes. Cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, nuts, honey, butter, and cottage cheese are good additions.

Microwave baked apples are best served with a scoop of ice cream.

In a frying pan

Cooking apples in a frying pan is the easiest and most accessible method. The fruit can be baked as usual or with a filling, which can be made using:

• cottage cheese;
• cinnamon;
• sugar;
• dried fruits;
• honey and other products.

Before baking, wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores. Cooking time is 20–30 minutes.

Final tips

Save useful properties A few rules will help you prepare apples and get a delicious dish:

1. The fruits selected for baking should not be wormy.
2. It is best to give preference to sweet or sweet and sour varieties.
3. Store-bought fruits should be washed thoroughly in warm, soapy water.
4. To prepare the filling, use healthy ingredients: honey, ginger, cinnamon, etc.
5. The optimal temperature for baking is 180–200 °C. Increasing it will cause the fruit to crack.

Numerous cooking methods and all sorts of additional ingredients allow you to make apples both a dietary dish and a treat for the holiday table.