Apples contain organic acids such as malic acid and citric acid. When a clean iron nail is left in an apple for several hours, these acids react with the metal, forming iron salts (like iron acetate) that partially dissolve into the fruit. Eating the apple allows your body to absorb some iron.
Iron Content Comparison:
Apple with nails: A few milligrams (highly variable)
100g beef liver: ~6 mg
Iron supplement tablet: 18–30 mg
While the method works chemically, it provides only a tiny fraction of the iron in modern supplements and is not effective for treating serious anemia.
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Potential Benefits:
