Release the power of apples
Who knew that a simple apple could have so many benefits? Apples are not just a delicious treat but a powerhouse of goodness for your body. Let’s discover the rewards of this humble fruit.
We often overlook the fact that food isn’t just about taste; it can be medicine too. The apple, with its wealth of nutrients, is a good example of this. While it’s unfortunate that not everyone can enjoy apples due to allergies, IBS, or personal preference, for most people, they’re a fantastic daily addition to your diet.
Our ancestors understood the value of this nutritional gem. Apples work wonders for your gut health, supporting your gut’s microbial community and fortifying gut wall integrity while taming inflammation. Packed with pectin, a soluble fibre, apples serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These bacteria work their magic, converting pectin into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs act as superheroes in your body, regulating fats, cholesterol, and sugar levels, while also bolstering your immune system and maintaining gut health.
Cooking apples unlocks even more of their potential. Not only does it make the pectin more accessible, but it also enhances digestibility. Concerned about the sugar content? Fear not! A dash of cinnamon does wonders to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
If you’re not able to get your hands on organic apples, a quick spritz of organic apple cider vinegar can help rid them of any lingering chemical residue. Plus, don’t be too quick to discard the peel, it’s where most of the nutrients reside, including phenolic compounds, pectin, and minerals. If your gut can handle it, keep those peels on!
Now, let’s get cooking:
Prep: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 x organic apples
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 x Cinnamon stick
- 1 x tsp of cinnamon powder
Don’t worry if you don’t have cinnamon sticks handy, just add a little more powder.
Directions
Core and chop the apples, leaving the skin on if it agrees with you.
Place all the ingredients into a covered pot.
Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the peels start to come away. Give it a stir every now and then.
Once cooked, you can remove the cinnamon stick and store the apples in the fridge for three to four days. Any leftovers can be frozen and reheated as needed. Enjoy them warm or cold, added to smoothies, fruit salads, or simply with some yogurt and raw soaked nuts.
There you have it, yummy stewed apples that not only tantalise your taste buds but also nourish your body from the inside out. Cheers to good health and happy eating!
