13 Surprising Household Uses for Apples

Apples are one of the world's most favorite fruits, and it's easy to see why: They're delicious, healthy and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Did you know, however, that apples are also incredibly useful? Here are 13 more uses for apples that you possibly didn't know:

1. Migraine Relief

If you suffer from migraines, you know that it's hard to even describe the level of pain and discomfort caused by one. Recent studies show that smelling a green apple helps relieve some of the uneasiness caused by the migraine.

2. Prevent Sugar from Crystallizing

Brown sugar is much healthier (and arguably – tastier) than white sugar. The only problem with it, is that it tends to clump and crystalize. To prevent this from happening, put a piece of apple in a small fabric pouch and put it in the same container as the sugar. The apple will absorb the moisture that causes the clumping.

3. Accelerate Ripening of Fruits

Some fruits emit a gas called Ethylene that hastens the ripening of other fruits. If you want those avocados and bananas to be ready faster, put a whole apple next to them and it will do the job!

4. Preserve Baked Goods

Bread and cakes tend to dry out quickly, even when kept in sealed containers. To prevent them from drying out, put half an apple into the container you keep the pastry in!

5. General Cleaner

Instead of using those chemical-filled industrial cleaners, why not make your own effective, antiseptic, deodorizing cleaner? Simply mix equal amounts of apple-cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and there you have it!

6. Natural Sweetener

Apples are an excellent replacement for sugar, as they add their unique flavor without overpowering the dish/drink. Apples contain fructose, which is healthier than white sugar and even more than artificial sweeteners! Try adding grated apples to dishes instead of sugar and you'll be amazed!

7. Facial Mask

Apples contain a structural heteropolysaccharide called Pectin, which helps your facial skin. To use it as a mask – grate it and mix with honey, then apply the mixture to your face. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, then wash it off.

8. Prevent Nausea

Many people suffer from motion sickness while riding in a car, but eating a green apple can help reduce the feeling of nausea.

9. Treat Allergies

Apples contain a chemical called Quercetin, which helps the immune system limit the amount of histamines it produces during an allergic reaction. Histamines are what causes the allergic symptoms, so reducing their amount will help ease your allergies.

10. Make a Fancy Drink

In recent years, flavored vodka has become quite popular, but its price can be much higher than of regular vodka. If you fancy some apple-flavored vodka, simply follow this recipe:

• Cut some apples and put them in a sealable jar
• Cover the apples in vodka, seal the jar and it let sit for a few days
• If the taste is not yet to your liking, simply let it sit until it does

11. Doggy Treats

While there are many foods you shouldn't give your dog, apples happen to be one of the healthiest and most recommended fruits for dogs. Apples are much healthier than processed dog-treats, but be sure to avoid giving your dog the core! Apple seeds contain cyanide which is very poisonous for humans and dogs alike.

12. Flea Treatment

Apple-cider vinegar is incredibly effective at getting rid of fleas. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar, apply it to your pet's fur and gently massage it into the skin. The vinegar will chase away the fleas quickly and effectively.

13. Fix Over-Salted Food

If you happen to add too-much salt to a dish you're making, just cut a few pieces of apple and put them in the pot. The apple will absorb the salt without damaging the flavor of the dish.

Courtesy:Ba-ba Mail