The Many Benefits Of Granny Smith Apples For Your Skin

by Rajashree Seal · October 20, 2015

Green apple is also known as the Granny Smith or the Australian apple, as it originated in Australia in 1868. This apple is named after Maria Ann “Granny” Smith, a British-Australian orchardist who is responsible for cultivating this apple breed. Later in the 1960s, apple growers in Washington began growing green apples commercially, and today they are well known for their bright green color and tart flavor. The crispy and juicy green apples are not only eaten raw, but are also used in cooking, salads, freezing, pies, and baking.

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As Benjamin Franklin’s adage goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. While red apples are more common, green apples are packed with numerous health benefits and essential properties for our bodies, including essential fibers, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Here are some of the health benefits of green apples:

1. Improves your immune system

Green apple is loaded with vitamins, especially vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and protects your body from cold, flu, and other recurring health conditions.

2. Boosts your metabolism

The presence of a wide variety of minerals, including copper, iron, and potassium, plays a major role in maintaining good health. In particular, the presence of iron helps improve oxygen absorption, which in turn boosts metabolism in your body.

3. Acts as a natural detoxifier

Green apple has a high fiber content, and as a result acts as a natural detoxifier, keeping your liver, kidney, and digestive system free from toxins and harmful elements. The presence of fiber also cuts down the risk of developing colon cancer and ensures that you are free from constipation.

4. Keeps cholesterol levels under control

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Green apple juice and its extract helps lower cholesterol levels in your blood and keeps it under control, protecting your cardiovascular health.

5. Protects from inflammatory conditions

Green apple juice contains a good quantity of antioxidants, which safeguards your body from oxidative stress and inflammatory painful conditions, such as rheumatism and arthritis. Elderly people who suffer from such inflammatory conditions are suggested to consume green apple juice on a regular basis.

6. Natural anti-aging properties

Green apples are a rich source of antioxidants, which helps in rejuvenating skin and also re-building cells. The presence of Vitamins A and C, as well as phenols, in green apple plays a major role in preventing premature aging.

7. Helps you lose weight

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Green apple is packed with fiber and is low on fats, sugar, and sodium, and is known to restrict the feeling of hunger. In addition, it improves your calorie burning potential, which helps you achieve your weight loss goals.

8. Good for your lungs

Regular consumption of green apple juice cuts down the risk of asthma and keeps your lungs healthy. Regular smokers can also rely on green apple juice to safeguard themselves from obstructive pulmonary diseases.

9. Good for your liver

Green apple juice is not only a natural detoxifying agent, but also possesses a good amount of anti-oxidants. These antioxidants ensure the proper functioning of the liver and prevent free radicals from damaging it.

10. Improves your vision

The presence of vitamin A in green apple helps strengthen and improve your vision.

11. Good for teeth and bones

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Green apple is also rich in calcium, which is essential for strengthening the bones and teeth and keeping them healthy. Women going through menopause must include green apple juice in their diet to prevent osteoporosis.

12. For a better heart

Green apple contains antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenol, and potassium in abundance, which strengthen your heart and help you stay healthy. It is also effective in lowering blood pressure and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

13. Prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s

Drinking green apple juice helps fight against the effects of aging on the brain. Thus, it helps keep away dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related issues.

14. Good for blood clotting

Green apple juice is also a source of Vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting. Consumption of green apple can help you heal wounds sooner. Women suffering from heavy bleeding during periods can drink green apple juice to bring the bleeding under control.

15. Good for diabetic patients

Packed with high fiber, green apple is also good for diabetics as it prevents insulin from shooting up.

16. Anti-cancerous properties

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The presence of anti-cancerous properties like phenolic acid and flavonoid in green apple juice protects you from various types of cancer, especially lung cancer.

Besides all the health benefits listed above, there are quite a few benefits of green apples specific to your skin and hair as well:

1. Moisturizes and nourishes your skin

Intake of green apple juice can help your skin from drying out and will keep it hydrated. It is a common ingredient in beauty products these days.

2. Gives you healthy skin and improves its texture

Rich in a large number of vitamins and minerals, green apple helps in preventing many skin ailments. Moreover, the presence of collagen and elastin proteins in green apple boosts the appearance and improves the texture of your skin.

3. Keeps pimples and acne away

Consuming green apple is highly effective in treating acne as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. A glass of freshly juiced green apple can help you control and prevent acne and pimple eruptions.

4. Natural remedy for dark circles

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Green apple juice is also effective for the elimination of dark brown circles around your eyes and keeps your eyes refreshed. Both internal consumption and topical application of green apple juice can have great impact on your skin.

5. Shields your skin from various skin conditions and diseases

Sometimes, lack of nourishment leaves the skin with various skin diseases like eczema. Green apple is rich in vitamins and can prevent various skin diseases that are caused by the lack of vitamins.

6. Protects you from skin cancer

Green apple juice is rich in Vitamin C, one of the most potent anti-oxidants that shields your skin from the oxidative damages induced by free radicals, which when left untreated can cause various types of dermatological cancer.

7. Natural anti-dandruff agent

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Green apple extract heals the skin and gives relief from dandruff and flaky scalp conditions. A head massage with green apple juice can help you moisturize and condition your scalp. Shampooing your scalp with a paste made of green apple skin and leaves can also work wonders in treating dandruff.

8. Helps you maintain strong and healthy hair

A rich source of vitamins and minerals, green apple juice is a natural remedy to strengthen your tresses. Regular use of its juice makes your hair healthy and strong.

9. Enhance hair growth

Green apple juice is believed to be one of the best remedies for hair growth, and also prevents hair loss and hair thinning.

Suggested read: 6 effective ways to get rid of your dark neck

Apples are not only healthy when consumed, but are also beneficial for topical use in the form of face masks and face packs. Some of the amazing face packs made from apple for different skin types are as follows:

1. Basic apple face mask

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Make a mixture of half-pureed apple along with a little warm milk and 1 egg yolk. Blend into a smooth paste, apply it on your face, and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. This will make your skin glow for sure.

2. For sensitive skin

Mash a small boiled apple, 1 teaspoon ripe banana paste, and 1 teaspoon fresh cream. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.

3. For oily skin

Make a smooth paste of 1 teaspoon grated apple, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon curd. Apply it on your face and keep it on for 15 minutes, then wash your face with cold water. This face pack will help in moisturizing and brightening your skin, and also helps absorb excess oil from the skin.

4. For dry skin

Make a smooth face pack with a teaspoon of grated apple and a few drops of glycerin, and apply it all over your face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

5. For dry to normal skin

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Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of grated apple and half a teaspoon of honey. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. This face pack will give your skin a smoother and softer look and will also reduce and prevent pimple and acne breakouts. Moreover, it will help you improve your skin tone.

6. As a natural cleanser

Mix a tablespoon each of apple juice and honey, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Apply the mix on your face and neck, and massage for a few minutes before washing it off with fresh water. This pack acts as natural cleanser as the natural acids in apple help remove blackheads, whiteheads, and oil form your skin.

7. For an instant glow

Make a face pack with 1 teaspoon grated apple, 1 teaspoon fresh pomegranate juice, and 1 teaspoon yoghurt. Make a thick paste and apply it on your face; leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off with warm water.

8. Apple and oatmeal face pack

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Mix two tablespoons of crushed oats along with pureed apples and honey. Apply the thick paste on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes, and wash it off with warm water. The oatmeal in this mixture will help exfoliate your skin, while the apple and honey will make it soft, supple, and glowing.

9. Apple and wheat germ face pack

Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon pureed apples and wheat germ (tilula), and apply it on your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Wheat germ acts as an exfoliating agent that removes dead skin.

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