in praise of the humble apple

Long been a fan of the apple. Lately been enjoying Braeburn, Gala and Fuji. Tonight I am enjoying the humble, the classic Red Delicious.
I enjoy picking my apples almost as much as I do eating them.  As with all produce I have strict guidelines for selecting "the perfect" fruit or vegetable.
"Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits." - Henry David Thoreau
I look on in horror as other shoppers seem to casually toss their purchases in their carts without subjecting them to intense scrutiny first. I am not an anal person in any sense of the word ... but when I am shopping fruit and vegetables, well that is a serious matter.
 "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." - Martin Luther
Yes, they do contain a bit of sugar , and as I am on a carbohydrate conscious nutrition plan I can't go crazy on them ... but everything in moderation, after all they are a good source of fiber and let's face it  ... they are, well, delicious!

 Did you know ...

• Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.
• The consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fiber intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fiber, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.
•  The soluble fiber found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.
• We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits—like apples.
• Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.

So turns out that old saying - an apple a day keeps the doctor away may not have been too far off.