It is said that the apple is a guardian angel of our immune system, hence, “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”. I’ve been watching Denise Gerrich, who is on a stringent weight loss regime, under a doctor’s care, eat an apple a day with cinnamon on it. Not that the apples did it alone, but she has lost nearly 90 pounds. Bring on the apples!!
Yesterday I had an apple market salad from Chick-Fil-A, which inspired me to talk about apples in my post today. To be honest, I'm still working on this. You'll find plenty of junk food in my pantry, and getting the occasional chocolate yogurt cone at Braum’s is one of my guilty pleasures. I too often eat quickly and without gratitude. But I'm getting better at it, one bite at a time. When God prompts me with inspiration for a post, I get that He’s first talking about my walk AND my talk. I'm learning to intentionally choose food that makes me more aware of, and thankful for, the grace of God, and to eat that food with an abiding awareness of God and his goodness.
So for a little FYI moment, here’s the scoop I found on “an apple a day, keeping the doctor away”. Apples are rich in vitamins and minerals. The magical efficiency of apples lies in their optimal combination of vitamin C and other substances. It contains a ton of health-boosting agents, such as vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B6, and calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and iron. On top of that, they contain the highest level of pectin among fruits — an extremely valuable compound that is being more researched these days for its huge medical benefits. This powerful army of common apple ingredients is extremely efficient in protecting and stimulating our immune system, which is the best body defense to protect us from viruses, bacteria, and free radicals.
Apples are rich in dietary fibers. Due to its high level of potassium and fibers, this fruit helps in two ways during the weight loss process: It stimulates the elimination of excess liquid out of the body. Eating them produces a feeling of satisfaction, thus reducing your appetite (because of the fibers swelling in the stomach). Apples are an inevitable part of every weight loss (control) diet. (Just ask Denise!)
Apples are great energy boosters. Even if it's sweet, an apple is actually composed of up to 90% water. So, it's perfect for dealing with thirst, especially after a workout. Additionally, it contains fructose and glucose, which are two important carbohydrates that supply our body with energy that simultaneously prevent fatigue and helps keep you more focused. So, not only is it great compensation for the people undergoing physical efforts, but for students or anyone who is under a mental stress.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” James 1:17, When properly understood as a gift, it becomes clear that food is a tangible expression of God's love for us. Someone once said, food is "God's love made edible." It is one essential way that He shows his care for us. How I respond to a gift is an indication of how I feel about the Giver. And because food is a gift of God's good grace, I respond by eating food that manifests God's grace well.
When it comes to feasting on a good ripe apple, we can verify these words of King David “Taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8.
I started this post with the words “Little is much, when God is in it!” That little apple is another example of God’s grace, love and care for His kids. I think I’ll go buy a bag of apples, because this post, I believe, came from heaven’s throne and God loves me and you too much to keep “apple secrets” from us!
