Happy Tuesday, Stalkers!! We’re one day closer to Friday…

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

It turns out that eating an apple a day really does keep the doctor away - but you have to eat the peel! Ann no fair skipping the apple in favor of megadoses of vitamins in pill form. Apples in their natural state are much better.

Reasons to eat apples:

1. Apples are filled with soluble fiber (5 grams) which reduce intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis and hemorrhoids; help control insulin levels by releasing sugar slowly into the bloodstream; and cleanse and detoxify, which helps eliminate heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

2. Apple pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion. They are a low-glycemic food so they help control your blood sugar. Researchers have discovered that women who eat at least one apple a day are almost one third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

3. Two studies found that eating 5 apples a week lowered the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma.

4. Apples provide a source of potassium which may promote heart health.

5. Apples are packed with vitamins C, A, and flavonoids and with smaller amounts of phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

6. An apple has only 50-80 calories and has no fat or sodium.

7. Apples contain non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut associated with weight loss.

8. Many components of this fruit can help prevent certain cancers: natural pigments called anthocyanins; phenolic acids including ellagic and ferulic acids; the flavonoids quercetin and rutin; and the antioxidant glutathione.

9. Apples have been shown to significantly reduce visceral belly fat in overweight individuals with zero side effects. The polyphenols in apples also play an important role in the metabolism of all types of body fat.

10. The apple has long been called “nature’s toothbrush”. While it is NOT a replacement for actual brushing, the texture of apples can help “scrub” your teeth and tongue of debris. Apples are also mildly acidic, which can help breakdown plaque.
BE SURE TO SWISH YOUR MOUTH WITH WATER AFTERWARDS to wash away the acid.
The nutrients in apples are great for your oral health as well. They’re loaded with Vitamin C, which is vital for gum health.

What’s your favorite apple? How do you like to eat it?

The tart Granny Smith apples are my fave and I eat them "straight". I occasionally enjoy baked apples and will post a vegan/gluten-free/grain-free recipe below.