Apples are one of the most delicious and healthy fruits you can eat. An apple a day may reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and help you live longer. They are popular for a reason as they are easy to eat on the go and taste terrific. But what most people don’t know is that eating them regularly over time can provide a big health boost.
If you are looking for a sweet treat but want to add some health benefits, apple desserts are the way to go. Apple and cinnamon flavors go hand in hand, especially where desserts are concerned and both apples and cinnamon have a wide array of health benefits. Check out our apple dessert recipes listed below for some tasty dessert recipes.
How Apples Support Overall Health
There’s truth behind the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Here’s how a daily apple can support your overall health:
Antioxidants
These substances reduce inflammation, aid in digestion and provide protection against cancers such as colorectal, lung and some forms of breast cancer. Antioxidants also help lower the risk of asthma, improve lung function and regulate blood sugar levels.
Fiber
Fiber aids in weight loss by slowing digestion, reducing constipation by providing bulk, and promoting gut health. It reduces the risk for heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It also helps lower blood sugar.
Hydration
An apple contains 85% water, so it can help quench your thirst. About 75% of the population does not drink an adequate amount of water on the daily and so any chance to increase your water intake you should take.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are chemicals that naturally occur in plants and are part of a plant’s immune system that protects them from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and parasites. One of the useful things about phytochemicals is they can be beneficial for humans too! Phytochemicals are non-essential vitamins and chemicals that can protect your body from your body’s cells from unwanted toxins. Three of these phytochemicals are fisetin, pectin, and quercetin. But why are they important and why do you need them?
Apples contain:
- Fisetin, which may protect against memory loss and boost brain health.
- Pectin, which acts as a prebiotic “food” for growing good bacteria.
- Quercetin, which protects your brain from oxidative stress, stops harmful bacteria from growing in your gut and strengthens your immune system.
How to Choose and Store Apples
Keep your apples fresh, crisp and tasty with these quick tips!
- Put apples in the fridge: Apples last much longer when kept cold. Keep them in a plastic bag with small holes to stop them from drying out. The best spot to keep them in the fridge is in the crisper drawer.
- Keep apples away from other produce: Apples give off a gas that makes other fruits and vegetables spoil faster. Store them separately, unless you want something (like avocados or bananas) to ripen faster!
- Don’t cut until you need to: Whole apples stay fresh for weeks to months. Cut apples brown quickly. Store sliced apples in an airtight container and eat within 3-4 days. Or soak sliced apples in a water and lemon juice mixture to keep them from browning.
- Check them once a week: One soft or bruised apple can ruin the rest. Remove any apples that look mushy or damaged.
- Want to store them longer? Some later season apples like Fuji, Granny Smith and EverCrisp last longer. For big batches, wrap apples loosely in paper so they don’t touch.
Apple Recipes
If you don’t like to eat a raw apple a day and enjoy the occasional dessert, these apple dessert recipes are the perfect solution for you.
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