Savor the Health Benefits of Autumn's Foods and Beverages

The aroma of apple and pumpkin pies, apple cider, baked apples topped with cinnamon, and the warmth of hot chocolate at a football game represent autumn. And now, as the leaves change colors and a chill is in the air, these comfort foods and beverages are not only delicious and nutritious, but medical studies also show how these same tasty, traditional foods and beverages may also prevent disease. 

An Apple A Day… 

Perhaps no other fruit is symbolic of fall than the apple. Apple picking is an autumn ritual at local orchards. And, of course, the beginning of the school year each fall is illustrated with the familiar apple on the teacher’s desk. While apples are available year-round, during the late spring and summer months, they are often set aside in stores and replaced by the more seasonal peaches, plums, cherries and watermelon. Yet, somehow that first bite of a crisp, juicy Red Delicious apple always signals the start of autumn. And, there is indeed scientific truth to the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” According to USA Weekend Magazine nutrition columnist Jean Carper, “An apple a day also may keep away memory loss, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and tooth loss.” Carper cites the following research in her September 29 – October 1, 2006 column: 

· An Italian study indicated that eating at least an apple a day cut the risk of cancer of the mouth and pharynx by 21%; colon, 20%; ovaries, 15%; prostate, 9%; esophagus, 25%; and breast, 18%. 

· Animal tests in Japan showed that the antioxidant apigenin found in apples suppressed responses leading to asthma and allergies. 

· Harvard studies showed that regular consumption of apples help preserve teeth and also minimize acquiring type 2 diabetes. 

· Research at the University of California-Davis demonstrated that eating two more apples or drinking 1½ cups of 100% apple juice daily slowed changes in bad LDL cholesterol that caused artery-clogging plaque.