An apple a day, Fact or fiction?

this came from CentsAble Health Aug-Oct 2011: From your top to your bottom, apples can help improve your health and well-being.

Your Head: Fresh apples and apple juice may improve cognition, reduce hallmark signs oif Alzheiumer's and improve mood.
Your Heart: The soluble fiuber found in apples, known as pectin, builds up in your digestive tract and helps rid your body's cholesterol.
Your Lungs: Eating at least five apples per week has been found to help lower the risk of respirator disease. The antioxidants found in apples protect your body from damaging oxidation.
Your Waistline: One medium apple contains five grams of fiber - more than most cereals. Dietary fiber aids in digestion and helps keep you dull, promoting weight loss.
Your Colon: The pectin in apples has also been shown to promot butyrate - a fatty acid that plays a role in colon health. This combination also significantly reduces the growth of pre-cancerous and tumor cells.

No matter which variety you choose - and there are plenty to choosze from - you can delight in the many good things you are doing for your body.

Five delicious ways to enjoy your apple a day!

1. With peanut butter. Peanut butter provides additional protein and heart-healthy fat to keep you satisfied until your next meal.
2. Salad - Toss diced apples into your favorite Dole Premium Classsic Salad, such as the Greener selection.
3. Dessert. Core apples, leaving 1/2 inch of the bottom of the apples. Pour a small amount of brown sugar nad butter into the hole. Place in a square baking dish and add 3/4 cup water. Bake at 375 F. for 30-40 minutes until tender.
4. Main dish. Tossing apples into your lunch or dinner (like stir fry) adds an unexpected, but delectable, taste and texture.
5. Applesauce. To make your own, core four large apples. Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil and add appples. Simmer for 25 minutes or until apples are tender. Add 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once apples are cool, blend until smooth.

I like to add diced apple to oatmeal. Also, you can mix 1 chopped apple, 1/3 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup dried milk, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 Tbsp. brown sugar Splenda, and bake in a mini baking pan at 350 F. for about 20 minutes depending on your oven. You just have to check to make sure it doesn't overbake. When done, cool, and you have a breakfast of protein, fruit, and calcium for on the go. Increase the ingredients accordingly and make three or four to have in your refrigerator.