The apple a day with added benefits.

Quick snack tip...
This is one of my kids' favorite snack! Apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon. (Of course, when are leaving the peel on, you want to ensure that the apple is organic.) The addition of cinnamon not only makes the apple slices more appealing, but there are a great deal of added health benefits as well. Quoted from the healthdiaries.com.

1. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

2. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.

3. In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

4. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

5. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

6. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

7. When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

8. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

9. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

10. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

I love any tips that can help speed up my morning routine... so I love this apple cutting tip. Instead of cutting the apple the traditional way of slicing it in 4's or 8's and paring out the core, I simply cut the flesh off the core in 4 cuts... cutting a square around the core, and then further cutting those peices down if necessary. Not the best 'how to' description, but if you have a look at the cores in the picture, you may get a better picture of what I mean.

Happy snacking!!