Supernatural Botanicals

Did you know that some apples are better for you than others?  The Red Delicious variety gets five stars.  All apples are loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients, but the Red Delicious has the highest level of flavonoids, and as much as five times as many antioxidants. 

Don’t peel the skin.  The beautiful red skin contains the highest concentration of the flavonaoids and antioxidants, so be sure you are eating the peel as well. 

The Iowa Women’s Health Study, which has been investigating the health habits of 34,000 women for nearly 20 years, named apples as one of only three foods (along with pears and red wine) that are most effective at reducing the risk of death from heart disease among postmenopausal women. Other massive studies have found the fruit to lower risk of lung cancer and type 2 diabetes—and even help women lose weight.

Eat an apple as an afternoon snack with a tablespoon of peanut butter (think protein), or add slices to sandwiches or salads.

Start the day off healthy with an apple smoothie.  You’ve tried all the berry flavored smoothies before, but apples bring a new taste to your blender.  Perfect with homemade apple cinnamon muffins. 

Serving contains 232 calories, 1 gram of fat and 15 grams of protein.

* 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt
* 8 ounces nonfat milk
* 2 tablespoon frozen apple juice concentrate
* dash ground cinnamon
* 1/2 whole green apple – seeded and cut in pieces
* 2 or 3 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Makes one 12-ounce serving.

For more great recipes like this, check out Mr. Breakfast. 

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You may also like these blog posts:

  Blueberry Cheese Cake Smoothie

  Peach Blackberry Smoothie

Bamboo is all the rage in eco-chic accessorizing in interior design.  Cluster Bamboo in antique vases or jugs to create a natural “wall” in an open space.  Indoor plants and trees not only create organic focal points, but also cleans the air inside your home. 

In the background, a basket of organic green apples make a colorful, eco-friendly, and organic centerpiece. 

Design trends are all about eco-chic right now.   Rethink your design.  Get creative!