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Michigan Apples – A Daily Dose for Better Digestive Health

There are many things we’re told to do every day for better health – brush our teeth, get enough sleep, be active and eat nutritious foods. Did you know that eating a Michigan Apple every day is also a good choice? Apples have many healthy attributes including the ability to naturally improve digestion. When you have a delicious daily dose of Michigan Apples your gut will benefit in so many “core” ways. Check it out:

  • A higher fruit intake overall is linked to better general digestive health because of the abundance of fiber and nutrients fruit provides. A Michigan Apple, for example, supplies an average of 4 grams of fiber and is a tasty way to help you achieve the goal of 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Eat the apple skin whenever possible to consume the most fiber.
  • Apples are rich in flavonoids, which are phytochemicals recognized to have multiple health benefits. Quercetin and catechin are two of the most abundant flavonoids present in apples. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help protect digestive organs.
  • Some of the fiber in apples is called pectin. This is a soluble fiber which absorbs water in your intestinal tract to form a gel. This process helps you feel full longer while also softening stools.
  • Apples also contain the insoluble fiber cellulose, which is the main structural component of the cell wall in many plant foods. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool which helps relieve constipation and keep things moving quickly through your digestive system. Apples are truly nature’s laxative!
  • The pectin in apples also serves as food (a prebiotic) for the friendly bacteria in the intestines which allows them to replicate and thrive to create a healthier gut.*
  • Check out our chart below that shows you 30 tasty ways for easily incorporating Michigan Apples into your daily diet for better digestive health.

*BMC Microbiology 2010, 10:13

Michigan Apples – 30 Ways in 30 Days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 1:

Keep a bag of fresh Michigan Apples in your refrigerator for an easy grab-n-go snack.

Day 2:

Make a fruit salad using chopped Apples, berries, grapes and bananas.

Day 3:

Mix up an Apple & Almond Green Smoothie for an energizing breakfast.

Day 4:

Blend 1 cup of grated Apples into your favorite pancake mix.

Day 5:

Top your green salad with chopped Apples & serve with a light balsamic vinaigrette.

Day 6:

Substitute half the oil in your muffins or quick bread recipe with Michigan Applesauce.

Day 7:

Add chopped Apples to tuna or chicken salad and serve in a whole grain pita.

Day 8:

Need a new lunch idea? This Apple Grain Salad is nutritious and delicious!

Day 9:

Top your oatmeal with diced Apples, walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon & brown sugar.

Day 10:

Layer chopped Michigan Apples, vanilla Greek yogurt & granola in a parfait glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon.  

Day 11:

Make a satisfying snack with Michigan Apple slices and low-fat cheese cubes.

Day 12:

Sauté Apple slices in a bit of butter and brown sugar and serve over grilled pork chops.

Day 13:

Make Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts.

 

Day 14:

Wake up to a warm healthy meal, by preparing Easy Apple Breakfast Cobbler the night before.

Day 15:

Add more crunch to your coleslaw by adding a chopped Apple and poppy seeds.

Day 16:

Have the kids help make Caramel Apple Pizza for a special treat.

Day 17:

Add a finely chopped Michigan Apple to a jar of prepared salsa. Serve with whole grain tortilla chips.

Day 18:

Make your own trail mix with nuts, dried Michigan Apples and whole grain cereals.

Day 19:

Add Apple slices to a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich on wheat bread.

Day 20:

Make a batch of homemade Applesauce – blended or chunky.

Day 21:

Grate equal parts apples and carrots & mix with lemon juice, currants, and mint for a colorful fruit slaw.

 

Day 22:

Bake whole Michigan apples in the oven with cinnamon, chopped nuts, raisins, and a little butter for a healthy dessert.

Day 23:

To save time use shredded rotisserie chicken in this amazing Michigan Apple, Chicken, Pasta Salad.

Day 24:

Michigan Apples Roasted with Root Veggies make a nutrient-rich dinner side dish.

Day 25:

You’ll be the apple of their eye when you serve this easy and delicious Apple Pie.

Day 26:

Top whole grain waffles with chopped walnuts and warm Applesauce.

Day 27:

Spread nut butter on Apple slices and sprinkle on granola for a tasty snack.

 

Day 28:

Make a jar of Michigan Apple Cider vinaigrette to serve on green salads with sliced Apples of course.

Day 29:

Add a chopped Michigan Apple to a box of quick bread mix.

Day 30:

If the weather is cool, warm up with hot Apple cider garnished with fresh Apple slices.

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Shari Steinbach

Shari Steinbach, MS RDN
President
Shari Steinbach & Associates, LLC

For the past 26 years, Shari has worked as a dietitian in the grocery industry for two major retailers in the Midwest. In her retail roles, Shari has managed consumer health communication, health influencer partnerships, nutrition programs, and solution-selling strategies.

Shari has served as a nutrition expert and corporate spokesperson, providing food and nutrition advice through monthly television spots on ABC, NBC and FOX affiliates and local radio segments. She has also conducted numerous educational presentations to community groups and professional organizations throughout the country. Her timely nutrition and food product information and strategic social media messages have reached millions of consumers.