An Apple a Day

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Everyone knows the adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But although this phrase is corny and old-fashioned, there’s some truth to it! You may be tempted to pass by these familiar fruits in favor of fresh produce or more interesting-sounding fruits or those touted as “superfoods,” however there are plenty of reasons why apples should be part of your diet.

Among the many health benefits of this humble fruit:

  • A medium-sized apple contains 14 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C.
  • The antioxidants that give apples their red color, known as anthocyanins, are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Research suggests that apples may lower your risk for Alzheimer’s and improve memory.
  • Apples contain 17 percent of the daily recommended value of fiber. This includes soluble fiber in the form of pectin, which has been linked to lower levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol.

In addition, apples are naturally sweet, portable, and snack-sized, so they’re great to have on hand for when hunger strikes between meals.

Apple picking is a fun fall activity you can share with everyone in your family, and there are plenty of orchards and farms in the Philadelphia area where you can spend an afternoon plucking these gorgeous ripe fruits right off the tree. And farmers’ markets offer a wide variety of kinds of apples, so explore the different kinds you might not find at the supermarket. From sweet to tart, soft to crisp, you’re sure to find a favorite. Then, when you get home, try your hand at this scrumptious baked apple delight, which makes a delicious dessert or snack without packing in lots of fat and calories.