A viral TikTok has revealed that wrinkly old apples, often discarded, may offer hidden health benefits including lowering cholesterol and improving digestion. The video from Taste Spell suggests turning them into dried snacks or homemade apple cider vinegar.
Dried apples are rich in soluble fibre, which helps control blood sugar and reduce bad cholesterol, and insoluble fibre, which supports digestion. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating two apples a day for eight weeks can reduce cholesterol and improve blood vessel function.
Much of this benefit comes from pectin, a soluble fibre that can lower total cholesterol by 5 to 16 per cent by binding to cholesterol in the gut and aiding its removal, as reported by Healthline. Even older apples retain these nutrients when dried.
To make dried apples, simply peel, core, slice, and dry them in an oven, air fryer, or dehydrator until crisp. For apple cider vinegar, place cores and peels in a jar, cover with sugared water, loosely cover, and leave for three to four weeks before bottling.
Apple cider vinegar may also lower fasting blood sugar and improve cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Verywell Health notes that small daily amounts could lower total cholesterol by 6 to 7 mg/dL, thanks to acetic acid which may reduce fat production in the liver.
Health professionals advise diluting apple cider vinegar and using it as part of a balanced diet, not as a miracle cure. Next time your apples look past their prime, keep them—they could help your heart while reducing food waste.
