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Apples are often overlooked in the grocery store as a superfood due to their constant availability, but do not let that fool you! Apples are a dynamo of nutrition that can make a healthy addition to anyone’s diet.
Fun Fact and Short History of The Superfood
Apples have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. They make appearances in prominent texts of various cultures including that of Greek and Roman Mythology. When the Romans conquered the English they brought the fruit of love and beauty with them. It was not until the 1600s apples made it stateside thanks to the English settlers. The oldest apple tree was allegedly planted by Peter Stuyvesant in 1647. It reportedly bared fruit up until derailed train collided with it in 1866. Since the introduction of apples to U.S. soil the apple has become a staple of the American diet. As you peruse the grocery store you may be overwhelmed by the many varieties available. Currently there are over 2,500 different varieties grown in the U.S. alone! Of all of the varieties grown in the U.S. today, the crabapple is the only variety that is native to the area. Get out to your local orchard or grocery store isle and try a new variety today!
Serve it Up
Since the introduction of apples to U.S. soil, the apple has become a staple of the American diet due to their versatility. From pies and slaw, to simply grabbing an apple on the run, apples can easily be incorporated into the diet. Despite this versatility and availability of apples — Americans still struggle with consuming the recommended 2-3 servings of fruit per day. According to the CDC, only 1 in 10 Americans consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Boost your fruit intake with your favorite varietal whether it be Granny Smith, Red Delicious or any in between!
Great Source of Fiber
Apples are a great source of fiber. An average apple (with the skin on) contains approximately five grams of fiber. Fiber supports heath health, healthy weight loss, oral health, helps with blood glucose management, and also supports gut health — just to name a few benefits. Pectin, a type of fiber found in apples, has been shown to help prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessels and helps digestion. Next time you are looking for a healthy snack opt for an apple as opposed to a glass of apple juice. Your body will appreciate the extra support, without the added sugar.
The Whole Package
As mentioned above, you will reap the most benefit from your apple consumption if you keep the skin on and eat the whole fruit. Not only is the skin where a lot of the fiber is found, but approximately half of the Vitamin C the apple contains is found just under the skin. By peeling the apple you are missing out on gut health and immune supporting benefits! Beyond Vitamin C, apples contain quercetin another nutrient known to have immune supporting benefits and inflammation modulating properties.
An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, but this addition may help boost your body’s natural defenses! Check out these recipes to get more apples into your diet!
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About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at WMMC.com.