Be Careful before Eating Apples as they may be Wax Coated

We all love eating fresh fruits, especially the fiber-rich apples. Apples are delicious, juicy and full of dietary fiber, which makes them a great snack to control cravings. They contain rich and important antioxidants known as flavonoids that help in preventing the risk of chronic diseases. But is it really safe to eat apples daily, bearing in mind the amount of wax that is applied to it to make it appear fresh and shiny?

Many of you may not be aware that apples with a shiny or glossy skin may not be fresh and of good quality as you may be thinking.  They are frequently coated with a layer of wax to make them look more alluring. 

Although apples contain high water content they also generate their own wax, which coats the whole fruit, reducing moisture loss and keeping them fresh for a longer time. After picking the apples from farms, farmers generally wash them to remove any dust or dirt. At this time, some of the natural wax is also rinsed away, removing its polish. Hence, the farmers or sellers are forced to apply an edible synthetic wax coat to retain the shine.

Wax coating helps in locking the moisture, thus extending the life of apples. Apples that are wax coated looks so fresh that a consumer will never know the difference between the fresh and one. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, apple growers are allowed to apply a certain quantity of wax on the fruit. Types of wax permitted include carnauba, shellac beeswax and petroleum jelly.

How it affects our health?

When the apples are coated with wax, it spoils the quality of fruit that you eat. Due to wax, anaerobic respiration can take place in the fruits, which will further act as an oxygen barrier spoiling its freshness. Waxed apples no doubt look polished, shiny and solid but they can be damp and tasteless from inside. They can also be harmful to the digestive system.

A well-known dietitian Mehar Rajput from FITPASS, Delhi said, "Wax coated apples can cause health risks like respiratory issues, ulcers or other infections.

Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood said, "The natural wax present in apples is easy to digest and do not harm the body but wax coating is done to preserve apples for long-term and it may not be easily absorbed by the body, causing harm to the colon or small intestine."

Here is how you can keep yourself protected from the wax coated apples:

• According to Dr. Sood, if you dip the apple in hot water for a few seconds it will remove the wax. And after taking out the apple from hot water, wash it again with fresh water.

• You can also mix one tablespoon of baking soda and lemon juice in water. Then dip the apples in the blend and lightly scrub with your hands or a brush. Make sure you wash them under running tap water before eating.

• Vinegar can also be used in place of lemon juice in the above process. And follow the same method.

• Apple cider vinegar can also be used.

• You can also peel the apple skin before eating. But this way you may lose all the nutrients and fiber.

It is always recommended to wash the apples with clean water several times before you finally eat them because nothing is more important than your health!!!!!