Applesauce makes for a healthy snack. Apples are packed with numerous health benefits and while you don't have to eat an apple a day to be healthy, eating an apple or a serving of applesauce several times a week is a good idea for your health and weight maintenance plan.
Applesauce as a Healthy Snack
Applesauce is a delicious snack. Its texture and sweetness make applesauce a comfort food for many people. Apples are a great source of natural fiber and vitamin C.
The healthiest applesauce is made from organic apples with the skin on and no added sugar. Apples can potentially expose you to pesticides, so buying the organic varieties or making sure that your applesauce is made with organic apples will protect you from these chemicals.
The pulp and skin of apples contain flavonoids, which offer numerous health benefits. The flavonoids in apples reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, reduce excessive fat production in liver cells and lower your risk of heart disease.
Research on Apples and Applesauce
Although additional studies are needed, apples have been shown to prevent lung cancer and slow down the growth of breast tumors. Apples and applesauce have also been studied in reference to metabolic syndrome and research shows that apples lower the risk of this condition. Eating an apple or applesauce daily has also been linked with decreased risks of asthma and enhanced lung function.
Apples and applesauce are very important for heart health. The phytonutrients in apples work as antioxidants to support your heart. The soluble fiber in apples lowers your risk of heart disease by decreasing your bad cholesterol levels.
By eating applesauce regularly, you will also decrease your risk of developing abdominal fat. Studies show that the pectin in apples suppresses your appetite, making apples or applesauce helpful in a weight loss program. In one study, individuals who ate apples and pears daily lost more weight than those who ate the same number of calories in the form of oat cookies. Their blood sugar levels were also lower than those who ate oat cookies.
Enjoying Applesauce
Apples come in a range of flavors from sweet to tart. Red Delicious apples, Golden and Fuji apples are sweeter in taste. Granny Smith and Pippin apples are less sweet and more tart.
The advantage of making your applesauce at home is that you can choose your favorite apples and make your applesauce as sweet or as tart as you prefer. To get the full health benefits, include the skins of organic apples and go easy on the sugar or use a healthy low- or no-calorie sugar substitute. Sprinkle on some cinnamon to taste. When you buy applesauce from the store, be sure to read the ingredients and choose the most natural brands with little sugar and no chemical additives.
By eating applesauce a few times a week, you will benefit from its natural fiber, nutrients and healing properties. Not only will you experience greater health, you can use applesauce as an appetite suppresser while enjoying its sweet and delicious taste.
