Flip flops – hoodie – flip flops – hoodie.
Mr. Summer and Mr. Winter seem to be having a disagreement. After a week of sweltering temps, the threat of frost came as a surprise. But no worries, Mr. Sun promises to be back with warm weather again this week.
Besides the crazy weather, one of my favorite things about autumn is apples!
Smaller Waist and a Bigger Brain
Apples are one of the best weight loss foods. Add an apple to your breakfast and you’ll increase fiber intake by 5 grams! That apple will also help you feel fuller longer so you’ll be less likely to snack before lunch.
Not only are apples helpful for weight loss, but they boost brain power as well.
Research shows that apples contain brain nutrients that can help improve memory and concentration, prevent the decline of neurotransmitters, boost overall cognitive performance, and protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Many of these brain-boosting nutrients are found in the skin of the apple, so it’s a smart choice to eat apples with the peel intact.
4 More Healthy Reasons to Eat Apples
An apple a day … well, you know how it goes, but really, there may be a lot of truth to the saying. The humble apple is a nutritional powerhouse and is associated with numerous health benefits.
1. The consumption of apples has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels (probably due to the fruit’s antioxidant, fiber, and pectin content) and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.
2. Research shows that people who regularly include apples in their diet have a lower risk of stroke than those who don’t.
3. People who eat apples are also less likely to develop diabetes.
4. And fresh apples are a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C
Eat More Apples!
Here are some great ways to eat apples.
And one of my very favorite ways to eat an apple requires no recipe at all. Fresh, sweet, crisp apple slices spread with almond butter or peanut butter. Mmmmm!
What’s your favorite way to eat apples?
I’ve made most of the recipes you have above, and they are all delicious. Makes me happy that it’s apple season.
One question: Do apples lose any of their nutritional value when they’re cooked? Or should we try to eat them raw most of the time?
Thanks for the healthy recipes.
Good question. Cooked apples retain most of the nutrients that fresh apples offer. The only exception is vitamin C, since heat destroys this vitamin.
Using apples with the skins as often as possible is beneficial because most of the fiber is in the skin. So, for example, if you keep the skins on when making applesauce, you still get all the good fiber even though the applesauce is cooked.
Perfect timing I just bought a basket (big basket) of apples, I love eating them this time of year while they are crunchy but I can’t eat the whole basket so these are some great ideas. I have never tried apple chips.