Weekend Eats: Apples, Apples, Apples!

Sep 17th, 2010

An apple a a day really can keep the doctor away. Because it is such a commonly consumed fruit it is easy to overlook all of the unique health benefits apples provide. Apples are low in calories and are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They are also a rich source of other antioxidant compounds. The pectin in apples lowers LDL cholesterol. By just eating 2 apples a day, you can reduce your cholesterol level by up to 10%. Apples also contains a flavanoid called phloridzin which helps increase bone density making it a great fruit choice for women.

When selecting an apple go for the firm and bright colored ones with smooth and shiny skin. Apples are typically grown with the use of poisons to kill a variety of pests, from fungi to insects. It’s best to by organic when it comes to apples because scrubbing and peeling doesn’t eliminate chemical residue completely and often strips away many of the more beneficial nutrients. The peak season for apples starts in late summer so I thought it would be a perfect time to feature a few of my favorite quick and easy apple recipes. Enjoy!