The Birches Celebrates a Seasonal Superfood

Since October is National Apple Month, it is the perfect time to celebrate the crispy, juicy, delicious goodness of everyone’s favorite fall fruit. With so many scrumptious varieties to choose from (Red Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith), there is no reason to hold back on your apple eating this season. And the fact that apples are a healthy, nutrient-dense superfood only makes each bite a little sweeter.

On Tuesday, October 14, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills will explore the health benefits of apples in a program called “Superfood: Apples.” In the program, residents will learn more about the health-giving properties of apples, play an apple-themed word game, learn apple trivia, and share stories related to fall and apples. Residents will also sample different apple varieties, healthy dips, apple chips, and sugar-free spiced apple mini muffins.

“Apples are such a delicious fall food, and they are so good for us,” said Birches’ Activities Director Katie Klitchman. “I think it’s fun for residents to learn more about them and discover tasty new ways to eat them.”

As a source of many important vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, apples are indeed a verifiable superfood. Apples contain vitamin C which improves immune function; boron which promotes strong bones and a healthy brain; the antioxidants quercetin and catechin which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease; and phytonutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta carotene which reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Apples are also packed with pectin, a soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels. It seems an apple a day really does keep the doctor away!