An Apple a Day

     Research to date suggest that apples and apple nutrients may play a role in promoting human health in a number of ways. Apples maintain good health by improving cardiovascular health and lowering LDL cholesterol and inhibiting LDL oxidation.  Apples also help in reducing certain types of cancer and maintaining healthy body weight. They promote lung health by countering the effects of oxidative damage. They are good for colon, prostate and liver health by inhibiting the growth of related cancer tumors. Apples are also good for bone health by promoting a good source of dietary mineral, boron.

     Apples are a great choice to introduce for one of an infant's first food. They are easy to prepare, easy to digest and are full of nutrients. Apples are also very versatile and can be added to almost any baby food to improve the nutritional value. Apples are also great when frozen and used as a teething reliever when added to a Baby Safe Feeder. Applesauce is a great substitute for oil in many baked goods recipes.
Apples are most flavorful when they are baked. You can also steam apples to retain most of their nutrients. Try to buy organic apples. Apples are one of many fruits and veggies that are most likely to accumulate pesticides; most accumulation occurs in the skin.

Here are a few baby food recipes:

Baked Apples for Baby: (6months)
1. core apple and leave peel on.
2. place a wee bit of butter (8months + if baby has had butter or dairy before) on the inside of cored apple. If baby is 8months+ you can sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon if preferred.
3. Place in shallow baking pan with 1 - 2inches of water.
4. Bake in oven at 400 degrees or until tender; checking on water level frequently.
5. Once baked, allow to cool, then slip off skin if needed. You can either cut apple into little bits and serve as finger food or mash into applesauce.

Apple Grain Breakfast Salad: (8-10months)
1. 3cups water
2. 1/4 tsp salt
3. 3/4cup quick-cooking brown rice
4. 3/4cup bulgur
5. 1 Granny Smith apple
6. 1 Red Delicious apple
7. 1 lrg peach
8. 1cup raisins
9. 1container(8oz) low-fat vanilla or plain natural yogurt

1. In large pot boil water and salt over high heat. Add rice and bulgur and reduce to low heat. Cover and cook for 10mins. Remove from heat and set aside, cover for 2mins. Spread hot grains on baking sheet to cool. Just before serving, prepare fruit - core and chop apples, peel peach and cut into sections. Add apples, peach and raisins to grain mixture. Stir in yogurt to coat grains and fruit. Sprinkle with wheat germ. Ensure that you use soft ripe fruits when serving to babies 10months of age+ and be sure the texture is manageable for baby.

Yummy Apples-n-Chicken: (8-10months or when your pediatrician says baby can have meats)
1. 2cups water
2. 1cup apples - peeled, cored and diced
3. 1 chicken breast - uncooked and diced

In medium saucepan, combine water, apple dices and chicken breast.  Slowly bring to boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 20mins or until chicken is no longer pink and has been fully cooked. Fork test for tenderness. Chop or puree as needed for your baby's texture preferences. Add brown rice or whole wheat pasta for a hearty meal.

Foods Good to Mix With Apples for Your Baby:
Rice, Oatmeal, Barley and Mixed Grain Homemade Baby Cereals
Bananas
Avocado
Blueberries
Pears
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Summer Squash
Chicken
Beef
Yogurt