Have you ever seen an apple pierced with several nails and wondered why anyone would do that? It looks strange, but this old tradition has a surprising purpose: to increase iron intake naturally. Before modern supplements existed, people in various cultures used this simple method to help fight iron deficiency. But does it really work, and is it safe? Let’s dive deep into the history, science, and safety of this practice.
Why Did People Put Nails in Apples?
For centuries, iron deficiency was a common health issue, especially in areas where meat was scarce or expensive. People discovered that when iron nails are inserted into an acidic fruit like an apple, a chemical reaction occurs. The apple’s natural acids react with the iron from the nails, releasing small amounts of iron into the fruit. When eaten, the apple provided a bit of extra iron to the body—an early attempt at a homemade iron supplement.
This was considered a natural remedy for anemia, a condition caused by low iron levels, which often leads to fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
How Does It Work? The Science Explained
The apple contains organic acids such as malic acid and citric acid. When a clean iron nail is inserted into the apple and left for several hours, these acids react with the metal. This process forms iron salts (such as iron acetate), which partially dissolve into the fruit.
When you eat the apple afterward, your body absorbs some of this iron. It’s a very small amount compared to modern supplements, but for people in the past, it was better than nothing.
How Much Iron Does It Provide?
Not much. Estimates suggest the iron content might increase slightly, but it will never reach the level of even a low-dose iron tablet. For comparison:
- Apple with nails: Possibly a few milligrams of iron (highly variable).
- Iron-rich foods: 100g of beef liver contains about 6 mg of iron.
- Iron supplement: One tablet usually contains 18–30 mg of iron.
So, while it works chemically, it’s not an effective treatment for severe anemia today.
Is It Safe to Do This Today?
Here’s where the concerns come in:
✅ The Potential Benefits:
- Provides a small amount of iron.
- Natural and inexpensive.
⚠ The Risks:
- Contamination: Modern nails are rarely pure iron. They are usually coated with zinc, galvanized, stainless steel, or other metals that can be toxic.
- Rust: If the nails are rusty, bacteria and harmful substances can form.
- Unknown dosage: You have no control over how much iron actually dissolves.
If You Want to Try It – Safe Guidelines
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
