Red apples are a familiar fruit in traditional medicine, widely used in medicines and dishes. However, is it better to use fresh or dried ones for health benefits?

Benefits of red apples

Red apples, also known as jujubes, are the ripe fruit of the jujube tree, scientifically known as Zizyphus sativa Mill, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. The tree originates from South Asia and has been propagated in many places around the world.

Up to now, red apples in our country are still completely imported from China. In September, ripe fruits are picked and dried. Usually, plump, small-seeded, sweet-tasting, red fruits are considered good.

Red apples are sweet, warm in nature, and enter the Spleen and Stomach meridians, have the effect of strengthening the Spleen, benefiting Qi, nourishing the stomach, producing body fluids, regulating nutrition, and reconciling medicinal properties.

Red apples bring many benefits such as:

– Red apples have a suitable potassium content to help the body balance electrolytes and maintain muscle strength.

– Lignins in red apples are a type of fiber with antioxidant properties, stimulating the production of immune cells against pathogens.  Vitamin C  in red apples is also an ingredient that helps improve immunity and strengthen the body’s resistance.

– Antioxidant compounds in red apples such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpenoid acids and vitamin C can prevent free radical attacks. Thereby helping the body prevent many dangerous chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many types of  cancer.

– Phenolic, saponin and flavonoid active ingredients in red apples can soothe the nerves, help calm the mind, so they can reduce stress, help us fall asleep easily, sleep better and deeper.

– Substances in red apples are said to improve brain function, protect brain cells from damage, and enhance memory.

– With a high fiber content, red apples support digestion, help with bowel movements and prevent constipation.

– Scientific studies have also shown that red apples help protect the lining of the stomach and intestines, reducing the risk of stomach ulcers.

– Red apples can help reduce creatinine and urea levels, so they are very good for the kidneys.

– Red apples are rich in iron and phosphorus, so they help people who eat them prevent anemia due to iron deficiency. The active ingredients saponin, alkaloid and triterpenoid also have the effect of detoxifying the blood.

– The mineral components calcium, phosphorus, and iron in red apples help strengthen bones and joints, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Red apples have many health benefits.

Should you choose to use fresh or dried red apples?

Red apples can be used in fresh or dried form. Fresh red apples have a bright red skin, plump, crispy, cool, sweet flesh.

Dried red apples have a dark red-brown color, rich sweetness, chewy, soft and flexible texture, and are easy to preserve.

Dried red apples still retain the same effects as fresh red apples. However, many people still wonder whether to choose to use fresh red apples or dried red apples. The choice of fresh red apples or dried red apples depends on many factors, including:

– Purpose of use: Fresh red apples are often used to eat directly or make desserts, while dried red apples are often used to cook sweet soup, stew traditional Chinese medicine, and make cakes and candies.

– Season: Fresh red apples are only available in season, while dried red apples can be used year-round

– Health status: Dried red apples often have a higher sugar content and provide more calories than fresh red apples, so fresh red apples are preferred for people with diabetes and overweight and obese people.

– Taste: Each person has a different taste, so users can try both types to choose the one that suits them.

Some notes when eating red apples

– Red apples can be eaten at any time of the day. Eating red apples in the morning helps to keep the spirit up, the body healthy, while eating red apples in the evening helps to sleep well and calm the mind.

– Although red apples are good for health, these fruits are quite sweet. If eaten in large quantities, it can lead to unwanted weight gain. A healthy person should only eat about 5 fresh red apples and 3 dried red apples per day.

– Red apples can react with antidepressants, so those who are taking these drugs should not eat red apples. Those who are taking anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine should consult their doctor before eating red apples. Because the substances in red apples can enhance the effects of these drugs.

– People with diabetes should not eat red apples regularly, especially dried red apples because red apples can increase blood sugar after eating.

– People who are experiencing bloating, flatulence, nosebleeds, toothaches, pimples, and rashes should also not eat red apples.