Beech Tree News Network

Is the old saying true?

You’ve heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but are apples really that healthy for you? Yes, they are! Apples have plenty of nutrients and taste good, too. In this compact fruit, you can find two nutrients that are low in the American diet: potassium and fiber. Potassium is an especially important nutrient for those with high blood pressure. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fiber can help to lower cholesterol, protecting your heart. Fiber also improves gut health and keeps you feeling comfortably full for longer. As if these wonderful nutrients weren’t enough, apples also contain antioxidants that may decrease inflammation and reduce risk of chronic diseases.

This season is the perfect time to take advantage of the nutrients found in apples by getting some of your own at your local apple orchard. Try out this apple crisp for a sweet treat.

Fall Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

-         

6-7 apples

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1 tsp cinnamon

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½ cup brown sugar

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1/3 cup whole wheat flour

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4 tbsp canola oil

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1 cup regular rolled oats

Directions:

1.      

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray

2.     

Wash, core, and chop apples (do not peel). Place in 9x13.

3.     

In a small bowl mix flour, oats, cinnamon, sugar, and oil until crumbly. Spread evenly over apples.

4.     

Bake for 40 minutes or until bubbly.

Serves 10

Nutrition per serving: 184 calories, 32 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 5.5 grams fat, 2.5 grams protein