Really Apples A Day Can Keep The Doctor Away

Can eating an apple help protect you from metabolic syndrome—a cluster of symptoms related to an increased risk of heart disease? Apple eaters through studies have lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation whose presence in the blood suggests an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.

The strong antioxidant flavonoid compounds found in apples—quercetin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, kaempferol and other polysyllabic wonders—play a key role by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and triggering a series of events that result in the buildup of plaque in arteries, as well as inhibiting inflammation. Be sure to leave the peel on eating raw whole apples—and not just because that’s where much of the healthy phytochemicals are concentrated, but for apples’ full flavor complexity.  Start eating Apples if you have a history of heart disease in your family.

Baked Apple Recipe

2 apples,cored

4 teaspoons dried fruit, chopped, such as cranberries, raisins or dates

4 teaspoons toasted nuts, chopped, walnuts or almonds

1 teaspoon honey

Pinch of cinnamon

1/2 cup apple cider

1/4 cup plain yogurt

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine fruit, nuts, honey and cinnamon; spoon into the apples. Place the apples in a small baking dish and pour apple cider around them. Cover with foil. Bake until tender, about 45 minutes. Serve topped with yogurt.