August is for Apples and Oranges
By Brandi Goodman
Different fruits and vegetables come into season in different months. August sees certain types of apples and oranges at their peak. Custard and Fuji apples are among the list along with blood and navel oranges and Mandarins.
The Benefits
These fruits provide many benefits to the body. Fuji apples contain an abundance of antioxidants. They are sweeter in flavor than several other kinds of apples at the market. The flavonoids within them may help to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. They are also rich in fiber and Vitamin C. Custard apples also provide a high Vitamin C content that offers antioxidant powers. Vitamin A that is great for the eyes is also found within them. These are not typical apples like you're thinking. The custard apple is also known as a sugar-apple or sweetstop. It has a green outer appearance and has a multi-textured knobby exterior that needs to be broken and peeled back to reveal the custard-like flesh.
A blood orange contains red flavonoids that give it its appearance as well as its abundance of antioxidants. The fruit is packed with Vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties. Navel oranges are low in calories, with just 69 calories in the fruit. Lots of potassium and fiber are found in this small fruit. Mandarins may help to lower your risk for cancer. It is particularly helpful at fighting liver cancer if you either eat the fruit or drink its juice daily. It provides nearly 80 percent of your daily intake of Vitamin C, which acts as a strong antioxidant.
Recipes to Try
Make a fruit pizza with mandarin oranges, kiwi, bananas, and grapes. You'll get a tropical flavor that's reminiscent of beach day. Place the fruit pieces on graham crackers atop a cream cheese crust.
Fuji apples work well in recipes due to their sweet flavor and thick flesh. Try pan-seared pork chops with an apple bacon hash. Cook your bacon and add in potato, garlic, onion, and your diced apple. You can even sprinkle on cinnamon and use a maple seasoning if you want to sweeten the meal.
Apples and oranges, no matter the type, are beneficial to eat. Each one contains a number of vitamins and nutrients that are advantageous to the brain and body. During August and any other time you see these fruits stocked, grab a few to add to your menu. They make great snacks alone or can be combined with recipes to create a unique concoction. Either way, you'll reap the benefits.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.