To Your Health! Apples May Do More Than Keep The Doctor Away

Apples are the good-for-you food that taste great, too! In addition to offering a delicious range of flavors and varieties, apples deliver fiber and other nutrients the body needs for optimal nutrition to promote better health.

A recent study conducted by scientists at Cornell University found that an apple a day might help keep breast cancer away. Apples are loaded with antioxidants, which studies have linked to the prevention of cancer. In this first-ever study on the effects of apples on breast cancer, scientists found that tumors were reduced by up to 60 percent, just by consuming apples.

Cornell scientists also concluded that consumers may gain more significant health benefits by eating more fruits, such as apples and apple products, than consuming expensive dietary supplements, which do not contain the same array of balanced, complex components.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommend that Americans increase their consumption of fruit to two cups per day. Consumers are encouraged to eat a variety of fruits, such as apples, which have been linked to “whole body” health benefits, such as reducing the risk of stroke, type II diabetes, prostate cancer and asthma. These new recommendations are part of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Apples can be used in many recipes that are perfect for spring and summer. For example, give your salad a makeover and try this tasty recipe:

Low Fat Apple Waldorf Salad

– Makes 6 servings.

• 1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup fat-free yogurt
• 2 medium salad apples, cored and cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks, or one 15-ounce can
• pineapple chunks packed in juice, drained
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (7 to 8 inch stalks)
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/3 cup golden raisins

To prepare dressing, in a medium bowl mix mayonnaise and yogurt until blended. Add apples, pineapple, celery, walnuts and raisins. Stir ingredients until well mixed.

Approximate Nutritional Analysis (per serving): calories, 204; fat, 9 g; cholesterol, 4 mg; sodium, 117 mg; carbohydrates, 31 g; fiber, 4 g; protein, 3 g; percent calories from fat, 37 percent.

Source: U.S. Apple Association

Here’s to healthy eating with apples!