An Apple A Day

Does an apple a day “really” keep the doctor away?

Growing up, I am sure many of us were told, “have an apple a day and it will keep the doctor away!”.

Did you know that this fruit is a member of the rose family? Well, you do now :)

While an apple a day is no guarantee in keeping the doctor away, eating apples does have several health benefits:

• Vitamin C –Apples have vitamin C that helps the immune system to do its job, fighting off bacterial infections and viruses. Vitamin C also promotes healing.
• Flavonoids – Apples are high in flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that promote heart health and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
• Calories – Apples are low in calories. At 100 calories for a medium-sized apple, this is much improved over candies or foods high in fat.
• Phenols – Phenols help take care of cholesterol. Not only do they reduce bad cholesterol, but apples also increase good cholesterol.
• Phytonutrients – Phytonutrients are substances in apples that are shown to help prevent brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
• Lungs – While apples don’t have lungs of their own, they can help yours. Studies show that people who eat 5 or more apples per week suffer from lower rates of respiratory disorders such as asthma.
• Fiber – Apples are high in soluble fiber. New studies have found that soluble fiber is not only good for digestive health, but it also boosts the immune system

The average person eats 65 apples a year. I eat an apple each day after my lunch. Eat Up!

Apple Crisp

Makes 8 portions

Ingredients

4 cups Granny Smith apples (4 to 5), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup (125 ml) packed, light brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) whole wheat flour
1/2 cup (125 ml) oats
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) nutmeg
4 tablespoons (60 ml) non-hydrogenated margarine
Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 oF. Place the apple slices in a small baking dish.
Combine the brown sugar, whole wheat flour, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Using two knives or a pastry blender, cut in the margarine until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Enjoy with some low fat ice cream!



Calories: 163 kcal
Carbs: 26 g
Protein: 1.7 g
Fat: 6.2 g