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eBite: An Apple A Day
Most of us have heard the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, it’s true! The best part about including apples into your diet is that they are both nutritious and delicious, low in calories and high in dietary fiber.
Research suggests that apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Compared to many other fruits and vegetables, apples contain relatively low amounts of vitamin C, but are a rich source of other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer.
They may also help with heart disease, weight loss, and controlling cholesterol, as apples are cholesterol-free, have cholesterol-lowering fiber, and are bulky for their caloric content. The peel alone contains antioxidants that help reduce damaged cells and fight diseases. Apples also contain significant amounts of calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc. Eating apples can help you boost your immune system. Apples are also fat and sodium-free. They can come in a variety of shapes, flavors, and colors, and can be eaten raw, cooked, baked, or juiced.
With over 7,500 varieties of apples and over 7.5% of the worlds production coming from the USA, apples are widely available. Snack on your favorite variety particularly on the days Body Zone offers complimentary apples from our local grower Weaver’s Orchards.
Yours in health,
Dr. Mele
APPLE SKILLET PANCAKES with APPLE TOPPING
From Foodnetwork.com
Pancakes:
Whisk 3 eggs until frothy.
Add in 3/4 cup each milk and flour and whisk.
Peel, core and slice one apple. Cook apple in an ovenproof 10-inch skillet with 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon sugar until just soft.
Add the batter and bake at 450 degrees F until puffy and golden, 15 minutes.
Topping:
Cook two chopped peeled apples and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat, 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup maple syrup and bring to a simmer.
Serve pancakes with topping, and perhaps apple slices and vanilla yogurt topped with mint on the side.
About Aparna Mele, M.D. and My Gut Instinct
Aparna Mele, M.D. is a board certified physician with Digestive Disease Associates in Wyomissing, PA since 2007, and the only female gastroenterologist in Berks.
Dr. Mele came to the field of medicine with extensive experience in performing international relief work overseas and is actively involved in local philanthropic work directed towards patient education and promotion of societal health.
She is the founder and president of a non-profit organization called My Gut Instinct, through which she is implementing local initiatives to empower community members to learn how to live healthier lives. My Gut Instinct also holds a free-for-the-community, annual health and wellness expo every fall, entitled Guts and Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo, offering educational booths, live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, group fitness exercise presentations, kids’ fitness zones, expert lectures, massage tents and yoga huts, acupuncture, live music, and more!