The end of summer and beginning of fall brings cool and crisp air. Apple orchards are blooming, and the ovens are heating up! It’s the perfect excuse for us health gurus to bring up the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away!” But does it really? This article focuses on the benefits of consuming apples and breaks down the reasonings behind whether they are worth the hype.
Benefits of the Super-Fruit
First, let’s talk about what apples consist of and the benefits that come with consuming them. Apples are known for their many health benefits: high fiber being the most common. High amounts of fiber contribute to longer satiety and helps to keep bowel movements regular. One medium-sized apple holds about 5 grams of fiber and only 60 calories, which means you are getting super benefits for little calories. It is important to note that consuming apples in the raw form is where almost all its nutritional value comes from. Cooking and juicing the apples breaks down the nutrients and leads to a decrease in the overall nutritional value. This is also why consumers should leave the peel on the apple as the peel is loaded in antioxidants which are great for lowering inflammation, boosting the immune system, and ridding our bodies of toxins.
Apples are not only abundant in nutrients, but they are also a very hydrating snack as they are made up of over 50% water! Remember, one apple isn’t going to keep you from becoming dehydrated, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing to consume on a hot day where you might be sweating more than usual.
What About The Doctor?
You are probably thinking to yourself, “okay, but do they really keep the doctor away?” While there isn’t a definite yes or no, it is most likely that consuming an apple a day will keep you from visiting the doctor more often. Through all the nutrients and health benefits apples provide with such little calories and processing, this is very much a super-fruit! These bright and juicy super-fruits can be found in nearly all grocery stores, are very affordable and there are so many ways to use apples. They can be chopped up into salads, used as an oatmeal topping, or my favorite way: apple crisp with oat topping as a more nutritious twist. Check out my favorite apple crisp recipe with oats below!
Recipe
Apple Crisp with Oats: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Base:
1 lb apples (about 4 cups sliced)
1 tbsp coconut oil
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
Topping:
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 cup old fashioned oats
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350
- Prepare an 8×8 greased baking dish
- Slice your apples into ¼ inch wedges (peeling is optional)
- Melt coconut oil in microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Toss apples with coconut oil, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a small bowl mix together crisp topping
- Pour apples into bottom of baking dish, layering crisp topping evenly on top
- Cover with aluminum foil, bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake for additional 10-20 minutes or until apples are fork tender and topping is golden brown.
