Apples do more than just keep the doctor away

Most are aware that ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, but many don’t know about the many other benefits of apples, besides ingesting them.

Have your mind blown – and your life made a little easier – by learning all these nifty uses for apples that Reader’s Digest has shared with us.

1. Brush your teeth

Okay this doesn’t rule out the use of your toothbrush. But have you ever finished a meal and have a bitter taste in your mouth, or graze your tongue on your teeth and feel something you’d prefer not to? The firmness of the apple helps to remove pesky particles and increase saliva production, and their clear, clean crispness will not stain your teeth. Here are more oral hygiene tips for white, healthy teeth.

Read also: 8 foods that stain your teeth

2. Stop a headache in its tracks

When your over-the-counter pain meds aren’t relieving that pounding headache, studies have shown that apples could actually provide the relief you’re searching for. Sniffing a green apple can ease the headache pain you’re experiencing. If you feel a headache coming on, cut a green apple in half and give it a sniff.

3. Make an easy craft for kids

If you are babysitting or taking care of your own children and find that they’re bored, try making stamps with apples. Get some paint or ink (preferably washable or water-based), cut the apple in half, dip the inside and press it on construction paper or cloth. Have fun by experimenting with colours and create patterns.

4. Ripen green tomatoes

If you have a bunch of green tomatoes and would prefer them ripe, place them along with an already-ripe apple in a paper bag for a couple of days. For best results, maintain a ratio of about five or six tomatoes per apple.

5. Give your core a workout

Add extra amounts of punch to your crunch by placing an apple between your thighs (and squeeze it) while doing crunches. Trying to hold the apple in place will make you work your hip flexors and adductors in addition to your abs.

6. Keep cakes fresh

The life of a cake starts ticking down the second its baked, however, by storing them with half an apple the cake seems to maintain its moisture and considerably ‘live longer’ that when popped in the fridge.

Try this one out: Spoil yourself with a dairy-free chocolate cake

7. Roast a juicy chicken

If your roasted chicken tends to emerge from the oven as dry as a gumboot during a drought, don’t fret. The next time you roast a chicken, stuff an apple inside the bird before placing it in the roasting pan. When it’s done cooking, toss the fruit in the trash, and get ready to sit down to a delicious, juicy main course.

8. Absorb salt in soups and stews

Salting to taste is one thing, but it is possible to overdo it. When you find yourself getting heavy-handed with the saltshaker, drop a few apple (or potato) wedges in your pot. After cooking for another 10 minutes, remove the wedges (along with the excess salt).

Read also: Assess your salt intake to avoid health complications

9. Clean your oily hair

If you ever find that your hair is becoming oily and out of balance, put a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a pint of water, and rinse it through your hair after shampooing and conditioning to help remove soap residue that can contribute to your oily hair.

More on ACV: The value of a detox bath – and some recipes to try

10. Give yourself a mini facial

Apples are great when it comes to reducing inflammation and the appearance of fine winkles. Peel an apple and grate it down to the core and then apply it to your skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Read the original article with the full 12 apple-hacks here.