Big Health Benefits of Apples

Saturdays in the South
August 31, 2017
Back to School Fitness Tips
August 31, 2017
Saturdays in the South
August 31, 2017
Back to School Fitness Tips
August 31, 2017

With cooler days in South Louisiana comes a powerful superfood, the apple. No other fruit has earned the “will keep the doctor away” reputation so it’s no joke that this superfruit is packed with health benefits:

Promotes a Healthy Heart: Dietary fiber from apples helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, they are rich in potassium.

Trims Your Waistline: Apples contain 20% of your daily recommended fiber. The fiber found in apples creates a “full” sensation helping you keep your hands out of the cookie jar.


Keeps Colds and Flus Away: Apples are packed with flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. They’re also loaded with Vitamin C.

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

Serves: 4-6


What You’ll Need

Salad:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
  • 1 ¼ cup Gala or Fuji apple, chopped
  • 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Dressing


  • ½ cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 ½ tsp chopped rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp honey
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

Add cooked and cooled, diced chicken, apples, pecans and cranberries into a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together all dressing ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour over chicken mixture and toss to evenly coat. Serve over lettuce or on whole grain toast.