Keep Apples on Your Menu for Better Health
By Tom Herrin
People do a lot of things to try to improve the health benefit of their daily menu. The problem is often that people live lives that allow little time for good quality prepared meals, so they have to rely on much less healthy meals from fast food restaurants or ready-to-eat meals from the supermarkets. Sometimes adding a few simple things to a diet can help to make it healthier as well as desirable for the entire family. Most people eat apples on occasion but may not make them a part of their daily routine. Apples can actually provide a lot of healthy return for the small price.
They Have a Lot of Nutrients
Apples are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, and riboflavin. They contain the minerals potassium, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. The fact that they may contain 12 percent of the fiber needed daily for good health is another perk. They are an available source of antioxidants as well. Add to this the ability apples have to help maintain better teeth and gums, and apples make a pretty complete package.
They May Help Control Diabetes
There is some evidence that apples have the ability to help maintain good levels of blood sugar. Apparently they can lower glucose absorption and stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin. This may not be a cure but can certainly help as part of a smart diet as people look for simple ways to bolster health. It is sometimes a case of every little thing can help. Some people eat apples regularly to help improve the function of the bacteria in the intestines, as well.
They Are Good to Eat
If you haven’t had a good, fresh apple recently, you may have forgotten just how sweet they can taste. There is always something special about biting into one and having that sweet, juicy experience. I like apples in salads. They are also good baked with a touch of cinnamon and maybe brown sugar. My favorite way of eating them is with peanut butter. That provides the good things apples can offer with a little protein. Sometimes we mix uncooked oatmeal and honey with peanut butter and dip apple slices in it for a special treat. There are plenty of ways you can experiment with apples and create something special that works for your family.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elk Grove, Calif.