There may be more to the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  It can also be the catalyst for fun times with family and friends.  There’s no better way to get outside for some fresh air, exercise, and stock up on a healthy snack than picking your own during apple season in Maine in September and October.  Make it a family outing with children and grandchildren for a special day that can easily become a family tradition, while encouraging young and old alike to eat healthy. 

Health benefits of eating apples have been shown in many studies.  Studies have shown that apples may help protect bones, may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, may lower LDL cholesterol, may lower the risk of some cancers, may help manage diabetes, and may help weight loss.

Healthy apple recipes can easily be found on line.  The American Institute for Cancer Research website is just one that offers many delicious recipes available at http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reduce_diet_recipes_test_kitchen.  Enter “apples” to search for dessert recipes such as Apple Crisp and Apple Pie, or other specialties such as, Carrot and Apple Soup, Pork Tenderloin with Apples, Fennel and Onion, and Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Apples.

So gather your friends and family and get out to the orchards.  There are many that offer pick-your-own.  To find an orchard in your region, go to http://www.meliving.com/appleorchards/index.shtml. 

An apple a day can keep the doctor away and more . . .  when you combine family, friends, and healthy food with some outdoor fun.