Proverbs 7:2
"Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye."
The Bible uses the phrase "apple of my eye" in several verses. This phrase is referring to the pupil of the eye..the part that reflects light, the part that is precious. God uses his perfect creations as examples to us. and refers to them in the Bible, and teaches us so many things from something so simple. Apples are a wonderful creation. So wonderful that it is often the fruit we think of when we hear about Eve eating the "forbidden fruit' ( I guess we will just have to wait and ask her to verify that one) :D
We have all heard that "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." I actually do eat an apple every day. I love them! They are full of nutrition, not to mention they taste great, you can take one with you on the go, and they are great in recipes.
Apple Benefits
A medium apple counts as 1 cup of fruit, so after eating one you're well on your way to meeting your daily fruit quota. Apples are on the dirty dozen list, so buy them organic to reduce pesticide ingestion.
A delicious and crunchy apple is one of the popular fruits that contains an impressive list of essential nutrients, which are required for normal growth and development, and overall nutritional well-being.
- Apples are low in calories. 100 g of fresh fruit slices provide only 50 calories. They contain no saturated fats or cholesterol; but are rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent absorption of dietary LDL cholesterol in the gut. The dietary fibers also help protect the mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to toxic substances by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.
- Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-Cand beta-carotene.Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
- Apples are rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrients flavonoidsand polyphenols.The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g apple fruit is 5900 TE. The important flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Apples are also good in tartaric acid that gives tart flavor to them. These compounds help body protect from effects of free radicals.
- In addition, apple fruit is a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Together these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body.
- Apple also contains small amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids. It helps control heart rate and blood pressure; thus counters the bad influences of sodium.
I buy my organic apples in a bag in bulk and keep them in the fridge. I like to cut mine up and take it in a baggie with me for the day.
Apple Recipe Ideas:
Baked Apple:
1 medium apple
2 Tbs organic butter
sprinkle of cinnamon
1 packet of truvia
Put all ingredients in a microwave safe dish, place in microwave for 3 minutes and enjoy!
Greek Chicken Salad for One
Eat Clean Chicken Salad for One With Greek Yogurt
1 cooked chicken breast chopped
1 organic celery stalk
10-15 red seedless organic grapes
1/2 apple chopped
1 Tbsp chopped pecans
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp Greek Yogurt
Sea salt to taste (optional)
Mix and enjoy!
Brandy Kisner
Health & Wellness Coordinator
