Apple season = healthier waistlines

Grandma always said, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” and now science has proven that statement may be correct.

In April 2008, a new study was derived from the NHANES study, a large health & nutrition database in the United States.

The study showed that adults who eat apples and apple products, like applesauce and apple juice, had less abdominal fat, lower blood pressure, and a 27 percent reduced risk for developing metabolic syndrome, which leads to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Apple-eaters also were 30 percent less likely to have high blood pressure, have smaller waistlines, and the C-reactive peptide levels were reduced.  These factors are all associated with a lowering of heart disease risk. 
Apple intake provides vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, calcium and potassium. 

Apple-eaters in this study also ate less fat and sugars than those who didn’t eat apples regularly. 

With the rise in obesity, diabetes and heart disease in the US, an easy and tasty way to fight back is to grab a bag of apples at the farmers market or grocery store and enjoy an apple a day.  Red, green or golden delicious, apples will add color and health to your life! 

Easy ways to add apples into your day

• Add cut-up apples to chicken salads, garden and fruit salads, and pancakes (add walnuts or pecans & they are even healthier) 
• Slice apple wedges and serve on snack tray with dips like peanut butter, light cream cheese or fat free caramel dip. Dip cut apples in lemon juice to keep them from browning.
• Keep apples, juice boxes or individual applesauce cups at your workplace.  They don’t require refrigeration and make a great snack.
• Pack applesauce or apple juice boxes in kids’ lunch boxes.  Younger kids love the various flavored & colorful applesauce options.  Adults love tangy granny smith applesauce.  Spread apple butter instead of jelly. 
• When asked to bring dessert to a potluck – think apple cobbler, tart, cake, or baked apple dishes. 
• Baste poultry with apple juice for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serve wine and cheese with sliced apples and figs for a light dessert or party idea.
• Add chopped apples and walnuts to your favorite pancake or muffin mix before cooking. 
• Add chopped apples, juice & yogurt or peanut butter to ice in a blender for a  quick & easy smoothie. 
• Spread apple butter, or warm applesauce on toast, pancakes, waffles or French toast.  Sprinkle on cinnamon (which also helps control blood sugar levels).