Will An Apple a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

October is National Apple Month, and we are happy to celebrate this delicious, good for you fruit! Apples contain high levels of polyphenols, which are natural compounds in foods that work with our genes to keep us healthy and reduce whole body inflammation. Now is the perfect time to head out to your local apple orchard to taste some of the seasons’ best (and polyphenol filled!) fruit. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy apples:

For breakfast – did you know an apple in the morning can wake you up just as much, if not more, than a cup of coffee? Try it with a cup of oatmeal and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy morning treat!

As a snack – do you tend to crave something sweet when you’re looking for a snack… or something crunchy? Grab an apple! There are so many different varieties out there, so whether you’re looking for sweet or tart, there is something for everyone!

Craving apple pie? Try this healthier and delicious treat – spread almond butter on whole grain toast, then top with apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Toss in the oven at 350 for about ten minutes, or until apples are softened. You can also try coring an apple, filling it with nuts and dried cranberries, and topping with a few drops of agave nectar.

Add apples to your salad for a tasty, sweet, and unexpected crunch! We love diced apples and walnuts with balsamic vinegar and olive oil over spinach.

Use apples in cooking for a sweet and refreshing addition. Try this simple recipe – start with two cups of chicken (or vegetable) broth. Bake butternut squash (according to instructions on squash – this can usually vary by size) and apples until softened. Saute ½ cup of onions and a tablespoon of garlic in olive or canola oil. Add diced apples and butternut squash to broth. Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cooked onions and garlic. Toss in the blender for a simple and delicious soup!

Create an energizing snack both you and your kids will love. Spread apple slices with a smear of natural peanut butter and top with pumpkin seeds. This high fiber and protein filled treat will keep both you and the kids going throughout the day.

Need more reasons to incorporate apples into your diet? Apples are high in pectin, a soluble fiber, which helps lower your bad cholesterol. Apples promote healthy teeth and gums by increasing saliva flow, and contain the health mineral Boron – which is necessary for calcium absorption and mental alertness.

Do you have any favorite apple recipes? We’d love to hear them - join our Facebook community and share your ideas.

Adding polyphenols is an important principle in the Gene Smart Anti-Inflammatory eating program. For a full list of high polyphenol foods, download our handy Anti-Inflammatory Diet Guide.

We encourage you to get your polyphenols from foods. However, if you are concerned about getting enough every day, try our Pomegranate & Green Tea Extract, which is formulated to deliver maximum polyphenols benefits (unlike similar products which are usually formulated to merely deliver antioxidants).

Words of Wisdom

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs