A is for Apple

We just bought several bushels of apples and have stored them away in our cellar for the winter. For the first few days after we brought them home our whole house smelled like apples! Mmmmm ….

We'll eat most of them fresh, but some will be transformed into delicious homemade applesauce.

Can an apple a day really keep the doctor away?

Well, if you ask researchers from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and The Iowa Women’s Health Study, among others, they’ll probably tell you that it certainly can help.

Apple eaters seem to have a lower risk of death from heart disease, have a lower risk of diabetes, be less likely to have symptoms of metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure or a waist measurement of over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women), and have less tooth decay compared to those who didn’t eat apples.

And apple a day can help keep your memory sharp. The skins of apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin which has been shown to be very effective at protecting brain cells from oxidative damage.

The Thin, Trim Apple

Eating apples has also been shown to make weight loss easier.

Apple Eats

Of course, eating them fresh is best … we LOVE crunching into a crisp apple slice spread with almond butter or peanut butter or walnut butter.

If you’re looking for other ideas, try Overnight Apple Oats. You can also find some great apple recipes like Apple Walnut Salad, Apple Oat Bake, and Sugar-Free Apple Crisp by subscribing to the New Measure Weight Loss Plan.