An Apple A Day For Achieving Awesomeness

This month I’ve been sharing the goodness of BC Tree Fruits Apples with my readers, in celebration of February being Apple Month. If you’ve had the chance to try the Cheddar Apple Soup recipe I shared, I’d love to hear what you thought!

Apple Month is an annual winter celebration across Western Canada which recognizes the quality produce grown on B.C. soil while encouraging people to support our local growers. Many consumers don’t typically think of February as a month for fresh fruit, however fresh B.C. apples are available throughout the long winter months.

It turns out your doctor, and your mom, were right. An apple a day can help you not only be healthy but it can also help keep your weight in check!

Here are my top 5 health benefits from apples, though there really are so many more reasons why an apple a day is a good thing to start in 2017:

1. Weight Control – as mentioned, not only are apples low in calories, they’re also packed with fiber which helps you feel fuller longer! Grab an apple instead of a cookie, and you’re a rock star today!
2. Immune System Boost – Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin and studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you’re stressed out (hello, motherhood.)
3. Cancer Crusader – Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds – triterpenoids – in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
4. Cholesterol Kicker – The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.
5. Show Off Your Pearly Whites – An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.

Now that you’re convinced, here are 5 ways for getting more tree fruits into your diet, courtesy of BC Tree Fruits:

1. Keep a piece or two of fresh fruit in your desk or tucked in your briefcase, lunchbox, or purse. Even with a hectic schedule, you’ll get a quick boost of energy in a healthy way.
2. Freeze cherries, blueberries, and grapes for quick, pop-in-your-mouth, sweet treats any time of the year.
3. Add grapes to tuna or chicken salad or toss fresh blueberries into salad.
4. Add fresh nectarines, apricots, or peaches to yogurt or ice cream.
5. Make up batches of refreshing smoothies. Be creative – most fresh fruits blend beautifully.

Visit BC Tree Fruits to learn more about apples and find more great recipes and ideas! You can also follow BC Tree Fruits on Twitter @bctreefruits and Facebook here!

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