An apple a day.. what does the information say?

     So many choices, so much to learn, so much to appreciate. One of the things that we have repeatedly been told is to eat fruit. The amount may vary depending on who is doing the recommending, but the reason to eat it is always the same. We need to eat fruit because fruit is good for us in many ways. But, what are the ways? I decided to find out just what the benefits of the various fruits are. Starting us off, is the apple.

    I will admit that most of the apples that I've eaten have been baked in a pie. Even as good as apple pie is (especially with ice cream and coffee), unfortunately it should be reserved for those special treats with care taken in the size of the serving. The information at the following link gives the information on what is in those pies and why even though apples are healthy, baking them in a pie while it adds flavor doesn't add health benefits.

http://www.nutrientfacts.com/foodpages/fat/fat_apple_pie.htm

and this:

http://www.nutrientfacts.com/nutritionfacts/apple_pie/

    What about raw apples? From the research that I have done  it seems that by all appearances apples are a super fruit. Especially if you eat it peeling and all. You want of course to wash the apple really well to remove any contaminants that may be on it. There are washes that you can purchase to wash your fruits and vegetables or you can make your own. You can find  directions and  tips for making your own here:

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/cleaningtipsandrecipes/qt/Produce_Wash.htm

  If you've ever visited a farmer's market, an apple festival an apple farm, or even a super market you have probably noticed that there are many different types of apples. The different types also have varying degrees of the many nutrients they contain. Some apples are better for cooking and some for eating raw. Most bags will have the information on them as to which purpose they suit best.

One of the things that amazed me as I was dancing about the internet doing my research on apples are the many good things they do for our health. As a cancer survivor who is determined to do what I can to prevent cancer's return all this good news about apples is exciting to read. The over all cost of apples is not that great for the benefits they provide. Left unpeeled they are easily transported for that go to snack. There are many ways to prepare apples that are healthy and some may even give that pie a run for its calories.

As I have aged my cholesterol levels have started to go up. The numbers are not in a dangerous level but the fact that they continue to climb is of concern. That is the reason the doctor told me he wanted me to try a different lifestyle. One that encompassed a change of diet, a change of mindset, learning to avoid stress or how to deal with it and getting up from this chair and getting some exercise. That was one of the reasons I was excited to find this web page. The first benefit listed was of apples lowering cholesterol.

http://www.symptomfind.com/nutrition-supplements/apple-health-benefits/

This next link has a listing of the nutrients in 100 grams of apple. To be the size it is, this is one fruit that packs a healthy punch. I could list all the benefits, but the authors of these pages have done an exceptional job on providing information. Each link has a listing of the nutrients and the health benefits for consuming this particular fruit.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267290.php

The following link will take you to a page with some interesting apple facts.

http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/10-reasons-to-eat-an-apple-a-day

Following are a few more links to information on apples and their benefits.
 I knew when I was diagnosed with breast cancer that I was beginning a journey that would last a life time. Now having cholesterol levels slowly elevating the journey takes another turn. As I learned how to deal with my cancer, I will learn how to deal with and combat this enemy. As we go along the way I'm hoping to post more information that I learn on eating healthy. I know that I have to make a change, and to make an effective change I have to know what I'm doing. so I search and research and learn. In the learning I grow, and I hope grow healthier.

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/apple-health-benefits-skin-6291.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/apple-fruit.html

http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20080409_healthtip_apple/

http://www.foods-healing-power.com/health-benefits-of-apples.html

An apple a day--along with blueberries and strawberries and banana and..