According to a nationwide survey of 1,000 of Santa’s “helpers” – moms and dads across the country, that is – an overwhelming majority thinks it is better to leave Santa an apple on Christmas Eve. Of those surveyed, 89 percent agreed leaving Santa an apple was better for his health than some of the usual alternatives, such as chocolate chip cookies or egg nog.

In keeping with the adage, “an apple a day,” 55 percent of those surveyed suggested leaving a juicy apple or glass of 100% apple juice for Santa. However, 44 percent of Santa’s helpers recommended leaving at least 10 apples for him to share with his reindeer, elves, and Mrs. Claus back at the North Pole.

Nutrition Experts Agree with the Apple Alternative
“ ‘Santa’s helpers’ are right,” says Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., president of the non-profit Produce for Better Health Foundation, which co-sponsors the “5 A Day–For Better Health” nutrition education program with the National Cancer Institute. “A produce-rich diet can reduce the risk of several major diseases, including heart disease and some types of cancer, and apples are an easy, delicious way to get the fruit you need every day, for your better health.”

“Apples have long been a symbol of good health for good reason,” says U.S. Apple Association nutrition communications specialist Julia Daly. “Apples are an excellent source of fiber, and have lots of the antioxidant nutrients getting so much attention from nutritionists. But they don’t have any waistline-widening fat, or heart-unhealthy cholesterol or sodium.”

Recent research suggests that apples may promote health in a range of ways. Earlier this year, researchers at the University of California-Davis reported apples might promote heart health, based on their study of adults who added apples and apple juice to their diets. Two European studies reported this past summer linked apples to potential lung health benefits, while Mayo Clinic researchers reported that quercetin – an antioxidant found abundantly in apples – might promote prostate health.

It’s Easy, Just Follow the SANTA Guidelines
To munch healthfully this holiday season and all year long, the U.S. Apple Association recommends following the SANTA Healthful Holiday Eating Guidelines:

• Stick with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid for healthy eating advice – including at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
• Add variety to your diet and spice to your life by eating a variety of foods each day
• Nothing is off limits – just eat less of some foods and more fruits and vegetables
• Take changing your eating patterns a day at a time, and you’ll build healthful habits for a lifetime
• Above all, enjoy eating! Food that is good for you can taste good, too

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state apple associations representing 9,000 apple growers throughout the country, as well as nearly 500 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple’s mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.