Apples, celebrated in legends and fairy tales, are considered a symbol of health and youth.
However, even this seemingly harmless fruit has its dark sides.
There are situations when eating apples can be harmful to health.
When should you resist the temptation to bite into a piece of juicy fruit?
Allergic reactions
Apple allergy is a common occurrence.
Symptoms can range from mild itching in the mouth to severe swelling and difficulty breathing.
People with a known allergy to birch pollen should exercise particular caution.
Cross-reactivity between apple and birch pollen proteins often causes so-called oral allergy syndrome.
It is interesting to note that some varieties of apples are less allergenic. Green apples, for example, tend to cause fewer allergic reactions than red ones.
However, people with severe allergies are better off eliminating apples from their diet completely.
Digestive problems
Apples are rich in fiber, which is generally considered good for digestion. However, in some cases, the high fiber content can cause problems.
People with irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal conditions may experience discomfort from eating apples.
Raw apples are especially difficult to digest. It is better to avoid them during periods of exacerbation of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease. Baked apples are usually easier to tolerate, but they should also be consumed with caution.
Interaction with drugs
Few people think about it, but apples can affect the action of some medications.
Apple juice, for example, may enhance or weaken the effects of certain antibiotics and anti-allergy medications.
People taking blood thinning medications should be careful about eating large amounts of apples.
The high vitamin K content of these fruits may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants.
Diabetes and Sugar Control
Apples contain natural sugars, which makes them sweet and delicious. However, for people with diabetes or prediabetes, eating apples can cause blood sugar spikes.
It is important to note that apples are not a forbidden fruit for diabetics. Just their quantity and time of consumption should be agreed with the doctor and included in the general diet plan.
Problems with teeth
The acid in apples can damage tooth enamel. People with sensitive teeth or gum problems should be careful.
Eating apples with dairy products or rinsing your mouth with water after meals can help neutralize the acid.
It is especially important to pay attention to this aspect for those who like apple juice. The concentrated acid in the juice can be even more aggressive to tooth enamel.
Unripe and spoiled fruits
Eating unripe apples may cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
The high starch and low sugar content of unripe fruits is hard on the digestive system.
Spoiled or moldy apples are also dangerous. Toxins released by mold can cause serious health problems.
It is important to carefully inspect fruit before eating and discard any that show signs of spoilage.
Individual intolerance
Every organism is unique, and what is useful for one person may be harmful for another. Some people may experience individual intolerance to apples, even if they do not have an obvious allergy.
Symptoms may include bloating, gas, or headaches after eating apples.
In such cases, it is better to listen to your body and perhaps replace apples with other fruits.
