Apples Don't Have to Be Boring
By Amy Silva
Apples make a great snack because they're easy to take to work, to pack in school lunches, or to bring along while running errands to avoid the temptation of sugary snacks at store registers. These days there are squeezable pouches of applesauce, dried apple slices, and even pre-cut apple slices for added convenience. There are many varieties of apples with various flavors to suit different palates and food dishes. If you don't often eat apples or if you're only snacking on plain ones, you're missing out. Why not try new ways to eat them?
Health Benefits of Apples
Apples contain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, among others. They also have fiber and antioxidants. Adding more fiber to your diet, such as that found in apples, might help keep type 2 diabetes away, or reduce the blood sugar of those who already have diabetes. Fiber may also help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Adding apples to your diet could reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast and lung cancers.
Common Varieties of Apples
There are many more varieties, but common types found in most stores include:
- Fuji
- Granny Smith
- McIntosh
- Red delicious
- Gala
Ways to Add More Apples to Your Diet
Although apples make a great snack when eaten as nature intended, they can give a fun new flavor and texture to food dishes. Nearly everyone has eaten apple pie or apple pastries, but those aren't the only delicious ways to enjoy this fruit. There are plenty of other ways, including:
- Meat dishes - Pork, especially, is no stranger to being paired with apples. Beef roast and other types of meat can also be enjoyed with apples, adding a bit of sweetness to savory dishes.
- Sides and salads - Baked apples make a great side dish that is often unexpected and is a fun break from potatoes and vegetables. Adding apple slices to salads gives a nice crunch and sweetness and tastes great with cranberries and nut varieties.
- Keep it simple - Making homemade applesauce is easy and leaves out the preservatives and added sugars in brands you purchase. Leave the sugar out and add cinnamon. Another way many don't think to do is to make homemade apple juice. Once you put apples in a juicer and taste fresh juice, you'll likely not want to go back to store bought juice. The taste doesn't even compare.
Eating apples has potential health benefits that makes them a great addition to your diet. They can be eaten in a variety of ways and are healthy and affordable. Best of all, they're delicious!
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.