MANSFIELD, Ohio — An apple a day may not really keep the doctor away; however, “the old wives tale has some merit to it,” said Marlys Slone, an outpatient and community dietitian at OhioHealth MedCentral Hospitals.
Apples are a good source of antioxidants–disease-fighting compounds, which scientists believe can help prevent and repair oxidation damage that happens during normal cell activity. Apples are also full of fiber. A medium-sized apple contains about four grams of fiber.
“Everything from cardiovascular benefits to reducing your risk of diabetes, reducing your risk of cancer, improving your overall fiber intake and antioxidant intake are some of the health benefits,” Slone noted.
Other benefits include reducing cholesterol levels, protecting against Parkinson’s disease, boosting the immune system and promoting healthy teeth.
And though these benefits are noteworthy, eating apples daily doesn’t necessarily prevent trips to the doctor.
“It’s all about a balanced diet and a balanced lifestyle, which includes not only a healthy diet, but also being physically active, managing your stress and getting a good night’s sleep,” Slone said.
Making the most of it
It’s best to eat apples in their whole form, Slone said. Eating apples in their whole form, not juicing them, provides a synergistic blend of nutrients and fiber the way nature intended, yielding greater health benefits than apple juice.
For those who have sensitive teeth and may have difficulty chewing apple skins, Slone recommended making apple puree–that way they can still get the health benefits that are found in the skin of the apple. Other options include baking the apple, chopping it into smaller pieces or making it part of a smoothie, she said.
Recipes
Slone said she likes to add a Granny Smith apple to kale salad, mixed with cucumber, avocado and lime. “It’s a little a tart at first, but you get used to it,” she said.
She provided links to various apple recipes, including dried apples and apple chips, apple dumplings, apple and ginger lentil salad, tuna apple sandwich, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, and apple, bacon and egg casserole.
Apple picking
With apple-picking season in full bloom, it’s the ideal time to stock up on some apples. Slone suggested taking a trip to a local orchard. “That’s a fun, physical activity that can be a good family-bonding experience,” she said.
“Everything from cardiovascular benefits to reducing your risk of diabetes, reducing your risk of cancer, improving your overall fiber intake and antioxidant intake are some of the health benefits,” Marlys Slone noted.
