We’ve all heard that famous saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, but did you know that apples are rich in nutrients vital for good health and disease prevention, and that eating just one juicy apple can provide the body with an important source of antioxidants?
Canadian researchers found that certain types of apples have much higher levels of antioxidants than others. Red Delicious apples had the highest levels of polyphenols, which are natural chemicals that cause tissue to contract, compared to the Empire variety, which only had half the antioxidant activity of Red Delicious. Researchers are currently working on breeding a new type of apple with even higher levels of antioxidants.
Researchers are also discovering that apple peel has been found to actually slow the growth of cancer cells! So why not bite into one, skin and all? In the meantime, all apples can provide a great amount of dietary fibre which is essential for digestive health and wellbeing.
Apples also have a low GI (of 38) which means they will sustain you for longer and provide and excellent source of energy.
And the benefits go on and on… Vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc mean that this compact meal can pull one hell of a punch. AND there is no fat to be seen – yippee!
How to eat more apples without getting bored!
- Cut very thin slices and eat them on your crisp-breads with your allowance of cheese.
- Slice an apple and place in a bowl with some cinnamon and water, stew in the microwave for about a minute – a lovely desert!
- Add diced apple to green or Thai salads.
- Grate or finely slice apple over your yogurt in the mornings.
- Dice your apples (and freeze for extra coolness if you like) then blend them up with your yogurt allowance for a tasty breakfast or snack.