People with certain pollen allergies—especially birch pollen allergy—may develop itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat after eating raw apples.
Interestingly, some people with this sensitivity can tolerate apples when they are cooked because heating can alter the proteins responsible for the reaction.
However, anyone who has experienced a serious allergic reaction should not experiment on their own. An allergist can help determine what foods are safe.
2. People With Sensitive Digestion or IBS
Apples contain naturally occurring sugars called fructose and sorbitol, which can be difficult for some people to absorb.
Apples are also considered a high-FODMAP fruit in typical serving sizes. For people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or certain digestive sensitivities, eating apples may contribute to:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Changes in bowel habits