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Why eat apples? Apples, of course, are a delicious, nutritious and easy way for Americans to eat more fruits and veggies to promote good health! The health benefits of apples and apple products were first recorded as early as medieval times, giving rise to the old English saying "Ate an apfel avore gwain to bed Makes the doctor beg his bread" and its modern day variation, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." More recently, apples' healthy attributes have received considerable interest following the publication of several studies linking apple nutrients to an impressive range of health benefits. Apples taste great and provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that may help to protect from chronic diseases. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommends that we eat more fruits and veggies than any other food group — for adults, that's 3½ to 6½ cups (7 to 13 servings) daily for better health. The Fruits & Veggies-More Matters™ health initiative encourages consumers to eat more fruits and veggies — fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice — at every eating occasion. Fresh apples, and processed apple foods like unsweetened applesauce and 100% apple juice or cider, are simple ways to add more to any meal. The Dietary Guidelines suggest that at least 2 of those 3½ to 6½ cups of fruits and veggies are fruit. So what equals one cup of apples?
USApple offers a wealth of information to help you incorporate at least an apple a day into your diet:
Additional resources:Fruits & Veggies-More Matters — site contains fun ways for kids to get involved, expert nutrition advice and a special Mom2Mom Message board
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