Perhaps testing the proverb, many studies have been conducted on the health benefits of apples. The results of these numerous studies show that eating apples helps protect against heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple types of cancers and neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Most of the health promoting benefits of apples such as the fiber and antioxidants are located in or just under the apple skin, so be sure the eat the skin and meat to get all of the proven benefits.
Apples are native to China and were brought over to North American by the colonists. China is the top world producer of apples, with the United States in second place. The U.S. grows over 2,500 different varieties of the worlds 7,500 apple varieties.
Store apples for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator where they will last at least 6 times longer but store away from foods with strong odors, since they will take those odors on themselves.
While children love applesauce and apple juice, most of the health benefits in apples are in and just under the peel. It is best to serve children apples with the peels on. Dice apples and toss in green salads, in yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, etc. Thinly slice apples and serve with nut butters or spreads, add to sandwiches- like grilled cheese, peanut butter and turkey cheese.
We made apple "cookies" by spreading peanut butter and topping with chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries and roasted coconut chips. Make a "cookie" version yourself by spreading a nut butter or any type of spread and toppings to taste.
If you are child care provider in California you can receive cash reimbursements for providing healthy food to the children in your care. If you are a child care provider in El Dorado, Alpine, Placer, Nevada or Mono county our agency can help you enroll in the California Child Care Food Program (CCFP).
Recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables varies with age.
Children ages 2-3 need 1- 1.5 cups of fruits and 1- 1.5 cups of vegetables each day.
Children ages 4-8 need 1-2 cups of fruits and 1.5-2.5 cups of vegetables each day.
Children ages 9-13 need 1.5-2 cups of fruits and 1.5-3.5 cups of vegetables each day.
Teens ages 14-18 need 1.5 -2.5 cups of fruits and 2.5-4 cups of vegetables each day.
Keep in mind that fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimum growth and development. Check out CDC's fruit and vegetable calculator for an more accurate recommendation based upon age, sex, and activity levels.
Remember your plate.......
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