Vienna, Va. — An apple or two a day just might be the boost of energy needed to make it through what is for many a hectic time of year. While the holidays may be joyful, they also bring crowded malls, traffic nightmares and those last minute trips to buy a new strand of lights. When energy is low and stress is high, it's tempting to grab a handful of green and red candy. Why not instead reach for a nutrient-rich green or red apple for a quick pick-me-up?

'Tis the season, after all, to bite into crisp, juicy, and delicious apples, just harvested from the orchard. Apples are convenient and portable - the perfect snack to carry along with that shopping bag. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which means that the natural sugar provides a steady stream of energy instead of sugar-highs-and-lows after eating decorated sugar cookies. Keeping apples handy while on the run will make those "shop-till-you-drop" days go a little longer.

There's no doubt that eating healthy during the holidays can be hard to do, but eating foods high in energy and in antioxidants like apples can help fight the effects of holiday stress on the body. Apples are a naturally-rich source of healthy antioxidants, which play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. The antioxidants in apples may also help to improve memory and protect from respiratory diseases like asthma.

With so many varieties to choose from, it's easy to make an apple or two a day part of a healthy diet this holiday season. Try eating an apple before that holiday party to avoid going overboard on chips, dip and sweets. Better yet, pair an apple with a spoonful of peanut butter or a couple of cheese slices as part of a light meal or an energy-packed snack. Sipping a steamy cup of apple cider or juice is another way to enjoy the health benefits of the apple - it's packed with all the same antioxidants as a fresh apple. Or incorporate apples into meals or appetizers with quick and tasty recipes like Apple Pancakes with Maple Apple Sauce and Apple Cheddar Pizza with Toasted Pecans.

Enjoy an apple or two a day and stress less this holiday season! For photos, recipes and more information about apples and apple products, visit us at www.usapple.org.

Note: The text of this release can be downloaded from the News Releases section of USApple's Media Web site, at http://www.usapple.org/media/newsreleases/health2007.cfm . The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 300 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.