There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples in different colours. This amazing fruit belongs to the rose family of plants. Freshly picked apples are are free of fat, sodium and cholesterol and are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, fibre and other nutrients which boost immunity, neutralise irritable bowel syndrome, detoxify liver, avert hemorrhoids, help in weight loss, digestion and detoxification. The water content in apples is very high that helps in hydration and cleanses the skin.
Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain will tell you how an apple a day can keep salon and parlour care at bay.
The multi-vitamin nutrition and natural fruit acids in apples brighten and lighten the skin and provide protection against tanning. Apples can help remove blemishes and are very effective for pimple removal. They contain pectin and tannin, which help to tone and tighten the skin. Pectin is said to have a soothing effect on sensitive skin. Apples are wonderful skin toner, wrinkle buster and scalp purifier. They stimulate blood circulation to the skin surface. They also have anti-oxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidation damage and thus delaying visible ageing signs on the skin.
The high content of Vitamin C helps in collagen formation and maintaining levels of copper (60 mcg in a large apple). The fruit encourages production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colour in your skin. This helps to protect your skin from UV rays and melanin also helps to build healthy tissues, hair and eyes.
To get rid of the puffiness and dark circles, simply place apple slices under your eyes for at least 20 minutes. You can also mix apple cider with grated potatoes for puffiness of the eyes. Peel and grate a small potato and mix two spoons of apple cider with it. Apply it on the puffy areas and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and wash with fresh water.
Recent research has revealed that green apples can control hair loss and promotes hair growth because they contain polyphenols, which are said to be nature’s perfect antioxidant. Apples contain fruit acids, which have a powerful cleansing effect on the skin, loosening and removing dead skin cells. This helps to brighten the skin and gradually clear away blemishes like dark spots.
Raw apple pulp or apple juice can be applied on the skin daily and then washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface, adds glow and helps to reduce lines and wrinkles on the skin. The fruit acids also reduce oiliness, discouraging and reducing blackheads and whiteheads. Apples can also be used as a scrub, mixing it with ground almonds and a little milk or curd. This can be applied on the face and body and rubbed gently on the skin with small circular movements.
Apples have a healing effect and can benefit acne-prone skin. Grated apple can be mixed with a little curd and applied on skin with acne. Grated apple can also be added to face masks. Mix oats with curd, honey and apple pulp or grated apple into a paste. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20-30 minutes.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most useful remedies for common beauty problems. It helps to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin and scalp. The cider vinegar is acidic. The main component is ascetic acid. It also has other acids, along with vitamins, mineral salts and amino acid.
As far as external beauty care is concerned, apple cider vinegar has been used for a number of skin and hair problems. For example, it makes a good hair rinse, restoring normal balances and adding shine to the hair. After shampoo, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse.
If you have dandruff, wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo three times a week, using less shampoo and rinsing very well with water. Half an hour before shampoo, apply two tablespoons of vinegar on the scalp, massaging it lightly into the scalp. In case of sticky dandruff that adheres to the scalp, soak cotton wool in apple cider vinegar and rub gently on the scalp to dislodge the flakes.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to restore balance to acne prone skin. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water. Soak cotton wool in the solution and dab on the face. If there is itching on body skin, apple cider vinegar helps to relieve it. Add some vinegar to bath water and rinse the body with it.
An apple can contribute five percent of a woman’s daily requirements for Vitamin A. They make a healthy quick snack when chopped, sprinkled with cinnamon and spread with almond butter and are a delicious addition to sweet and savoury dishes.
