In my career as a family physician, I have witnessed how many patients have improved their health by adjusting their eating habits. In spring, especially during the change of season, many patients come to the clinic in search of ways to relieve allergy symptoms and improve their physical fitness. I often recommend them to try some natural remedies, and one of the simple yet effective options is to drink apple water. I remember last spring, a middle-aged lady came to my clinic and she complained that she always felt tired in the spring and had frequent headaches. After asking her about her daily diet and lifestyle habits, I found that she barely drinks water and mainly relies on coffee and tea to quench her thirst. I suggested she try a glass of homemade apple water every morning. She followed my advice and started boiling freshly sliced apples and a little cinnamon in water and letting it cool. A week later, she came back to report to me that her energy levels had increased significantly and that her headaches had greatly decreased in frequency. This simple change not only optimized her water intake, but also provided her body with essential vitamins and minerals. Since then, she has made apple water her spring go-to drink and often recommends it to friends.
Health benefits of apple water
First of all, apple water is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are very beneficial for boosting the immune system and fighting common viral infections in spring. Not only does vitamin C help fight colds and flu, but it also improves the health of the skin and prevents damage caused by the increased UV rays in the spring. Secondly, apple water is rich in dietary fiber, especially when the apple slices are not fully filtered. This water-soluble fiber helps regulate gastrointestinal function, promotes digestion, and reduces constipation problems, which is especially effective for regulating the stomach and intestines in spring. In addition, the potassium in apple water is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and combat high blood pressure caused by a high-sodium diet, which is especially important for people who sit in the office for long periods of time. Also, drinking apple water regularly can help with weight control. Apple water is low in calories and provides satiety, making it a healthy alternative to high-calorie beverages that can support weight loss and weight management goals in the spring. Finally, for common spring allergies, apple water can also provide some help. Quercetin in apples is a natural antihistamine that helps reduce allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, etc.
The correct way to cook apple water
Choosing apples: First, it's crucial to choose an apple variety that's suitable for boiling water. I personally recommend using Fuji or Red Fuji apples because of their sweet and juicy flesh, high sugar content, and naturally sweet taste of boiled water. Make sure the apples are fresh and ripe so that the boiled water will be sweeter.
Preparation: Before cooking, it is crucial to wash the apples thoroughly to remove pesticide residues and wax from the surface. Then, cut the apples into thin slices, including the skin and core, as the natural antioxidants and fiber rich in apple peels are also very beneficial.
Cooking process: Place the sliced apples in a clean pot and add enough water to cover the apple slices. Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is the essence, slow cooking allows the sweetness and aroma of the apples to fully ooze without being too broken.
Topping tip: For added flavor, you can add some cinnamon sticks or a few slices of ginger to the apple water. Cinnamon and ginger not only add to the aroma of apple water, but also bring a warm feeling, which is perfect for the wet and cold weather of spring.
Practical tip
Storage: Apple water is simple but needs to be stored properly to ensure its umami and nutritional value: Refrigerated storage: If you do not drink it immediately after preparation, pour apple water into a glass bottle or other transparent sealed container and store in the refrigerator. Store away from light: Store apple water in a dark place in the refrigerator to avoid vitamin degradation caused by light. Water, which stimulates gastrointestinal motility and helps remove toxins from the body, replenishes water lost during the night. Drinking between meals: Choose the right drinking time after a meal to maximize the benefits of apple water: Empty stomach in the morning: Drink a glass of apple after getting up in the morning Drinking apple water for a few hours helps digestion and absorption, and can avoid a sharp rise in blood sugar after meals.
Avoid common mistakes: Proper cooking and drinking methods will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of apple water, avoiding the following common mistakes: Overheating: Avoid boiling apple slices for long periods of time after adding hot water. Prolonged heat can destroy the vitamins and natural enzymes in apples, so it is recommended to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Use metal containers: Metal containers may react with AHAs and alter the taste and nutrient content of apple water. It is best to use a glass or ceramic container to cook and store apple water. Drink immediately: Allow the apple water to cool slightly after cooking, which will allow the apples to blend more into the water and taste better. The above tips can help you better enjoy and utilize the health benefits of apple water. With proper storage and drinking methods, it is possible to ensure that the taste and nutrients of apple water are optimally preserved.