A new study published in Thorax Online suggests that eating apples while pregnant may help prevent asthmas later for the babies. Researchers in the Netherlands and Scotland tracked nearly 2,000 pregnant women and found that mothers who ate apples produced children who were less likely to develop asthma and childhood wheezing than those who didn’t. They found this positive association between apples and reduced risk of asthma by tracking the pregnant women’s diet, and then later evaluating the children at five years old for wheezing, asthma, and other asthma related symptoms.

Aside from apples, there were no other consistent associations found between prenatal consumption of other healthy foods and preventing asthma in the children later in life. However, the researchers did find a lower incidence of eczema in children whose mothers consumed fish while pregnant.

So moms-to-be, fill up on the apples (and maybe fish too). Fuji apples happens to be my favorite and I’m happy to say I did eat them in abundance while pregnant. Hopefully my 8 month-old won’t inherit her Dad’s history of asthma.

Note: it is not known whether apple juice, even freshly squeezed ones, has the same effect as it was not evaluated in the study.

While giving an address to the St Louis World Fair in 1904, J.T. Stinson mentioned a phrase about apples, “an apple a day will keep the Doctor away.” Stinson had no clue that 104 years later that phrase would still be ringing around homes, handed down from generation to generation. Guess what? It’s true.

Apples are great for your health. No fat, no cholesterol and five grams of fiber; definitely the smart snack choice for both you and your children throughout your busy days. According to Mypyramid.gov, adults should have at least two cups of fruit per day; children should have one and a half cups of fruits per day.

Numerous studies (Mayo Clinic, Cornell University, and The National Cancer Institute) have proven the health benefits of apples. A healthy diet including apples and apple products can give your body an all-over benefit to help reduce the following:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Type II Diabetes
• Alzheimers
• Heart disease
• Asthma
• Lower cholesterol
• Risk of stroke

What is it in apples that make them so good for our health? Quercetin and Phytochemicals. Quercetin (a flavonoid), found within the apple, and Phytochemicals, found within the skin, are linked to inhibit the growth of both prostate cancer cells and prevent new production of colon cancer cells. Flavonoids abundant in apples are also linked to lowering incidence of heart disease and preventing strokes. So, eat an apple today to start you and your family on the path of a healthier life.

If you happen to have a young one that just refuses to eat an apple, well, telling them “it is healthy” most likely won’t fly, so try some tricks so they can enjoy the benefits with the rest of the family. A few Cut your apple into chucks, cube some cheese, place a tooth pick through – their own fruit kabob. If that is not their thing, slice your apple and spread lightly with caramel sauce or peanut butter. One more thing to try with sliced apples – cheeses slices placed atop the apple. Yummy! Now go enjoy.

Studies:
Carcinogenesis (March, 2001)
Nature (June, 2000)
Journal of the National Cancer Institute (January, 2000)
The British Medical Journal (1996)

Source:
Great Moments in Apple History by Mitch Lynd, Midwest Improvement Association, Perdue Education Web site
Planting the Seeds of Good Health, US Apple Web site
Apples Keep Your Family Healthy, Healthy Living, Best Apple Web site