I cherish this time of year and one of my very favorite activities is to go apple picking. I LOVE apples. I am the girl who took an apple every single day to school growing up- I never got tired of them, still haven’t. Looking back, that wasn't the most “green/sustainable/environmentally” friendly decision given the fact that the apples I ate in March had either been sitting in a warehouse refrigerator since October or had recently been shipped from somewhere far away. Now I try to stick to getting apples just when they are in season. For those of us on the east coast, apple season is upon us! Not only are apples delicious- they are also low in calories and loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. I’ll give you 4 good reasons why you should go apple picking and devour the apples that you pick.
- Apples are a fruit. Studies show that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have a protective effect against a variety of cancers, coronary artery disease, and other illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s and even asthma.
- Apples are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. These help protect against oxidation. It is thought that cardiovascular disease and cancers are results of oxidative stress.
- Quercetin is an antioxidant that can aid in endurance, by making oxygen more available to the lungs. One study showed that bikers could bike longer after taking a quercetin supplements. Apples have it naturally! It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which will help with post workout pains.
- They are loaded with fiber. Fiber helps you feel full longer, lowers blood cholesterol and keeps your bowel regular.
This week try an apple with some yogurt or with peanut butter for a good snack with protein, fiber, and good fat.
Between now and November Annie Deremeik, our Fit N Fun Nutritionist, will be guest posting for us! Annie is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist.
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