Why these are good for you
Allergies: apples are good for your immune system and can help with rhinitis and asthma.
Phenolic compounds: apples are high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can benefit overall health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Apple skins have a higher phenolic compound content than other edible parts of the apple, which is why it is suggested peel be left on in this recipe. Additionally, organic apples appear to have higher total phenolic content than non-organic.
Prebiotic: apple consumption is related to an improved intestinal environment, helping to feed the beneficial gut bacteria.
Cinnamon: cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as insulin modifying properties which can help to counteract the impact of consuming the fruit sugars in cooked apples. Evidence also suggests cinnamon has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumour, cardiovascular, cholesterol-lowering and immunomodulatory effects.
Vitamin C: apples are an excellent source of this vitamin, which aids growth, development and tissue repair.
Dietary fibre: the fibre content in the apples (especially in the peels) and raisins helps with digestion, creating more bulk for easier bowel movements.
Gut health: stewed apples contain pectin – a type of fibre found in the apple skins which can help maintain and repair the intestinal mucosa lining.
Weight control: stewed apples are an excellent, low-calorie alternative to sugar-laden desserts. Delicious and naturally sweet, cooked apples may satisfy cravings while adding to your 10-a-day.
Slow Cooker Stewed Apples
Delicious homemade applesauce with no added sugar
- 7 medium apples (cored and chopped (leave skin on unless fibre intolerant))
- .5 cup filtered water
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- .5 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- .5 tsp turmeric (optional)
- .5 lemon (juiced, optional)
- .5 cup raisins (optional, added fibre)
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Place all ingredients in a slow cooker (crock pot) and cook on high for 2.5 hours
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Mash/stir to soften any remaining larger pieces
Eat plain, or make this delicious and nutritious food even more delicious and nutritious:
· add a handful of organic berries
· stir in a tablespoon of coconut yoghurt or greek yoghurt (no added sugar)
· add 4-5 almonds
· stir the apples into porridge
· add 2 tsp flaxseeds, chia seeds, or other ground seeds
· add a tsp of Manuka honey (occasionally)
· top with 1 tsp nut butter
Stove method: Put all the ingredients in a covered, heavy-bottomed pan and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Cook until soft with rough shapes, no longer identifiable as apple slices.