AN APPLE A DAY...

Does it keep the doctor away??? Whilst juicing an apple this morning, this little rhyme popped into my head, and it got me thinking... So I thought - it was time to investigate!

And here is what you will find in your next humble apple:

• Boron - This nutrient supports strong bones and a healthy brain.
• Pectin - Pectin is a form of soluble fiber than lowers both blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also lower the levels of the "bad" cholesterol in the body, referred to as LDL. As a source of fibre, Pectin helps maintain the health of the digestive system. 
• Ursolic Acid - Found in the apple peel, this acid helps to keep a toned and slender body by increasing muscle growth by up to 15% and reducing body fat by half.
• Quercetin - A flavonoid, this nutrient shows promise for reducing the risk of various cancers, including cancers in the lungs and breast. Quercetin may also reduce free radical damage. Free radicals develop when atoms in the body's cells have unpaired electrons, which can lead to damage to different parts of the cell, including DNA. Quercetin may neutralize free radical damage, which has been implicated in a variety of age-related health problems, including Alzheimer's disease.
• Vitamin C - Found in lots of common fruit, Vitamin C maintain overall good health in the body by increasing immunity.
• Phytonutrients - Apples are rich in a number of types of Phytonutrients, including vitamins A and E and Beta Carotene. These compounds fight damage from free radicals and can have a incredible affect on overall health and in fighting disease such as heart disease and Asthma.

So the next time you much into a juicy apple, remember the helping hand you are giving your body! As one of the most commonly found, easily accessible and affordable fruits in the world, its time the apple had a little credit!

WINTER WARMER

It seems sunny Byron Bay is turning cold and rainy. Which means one thing....SOUP TIME! There is nothing better that being cuddled up on the couch on a cold and rainy winters day, with a cup of steaming soup. In that mug of soup is pure comfort and nourishment. So we have complied a couple of perfect winter soup recipes with inspiration from the pouring rain outside the window...

Of course, there is the conventional stove top method of cooking soup, but we find it much easier to simply blend all our ingredients in our Bio Chef Blender, the perfect Food Processor and hot soup maker! Simply blend on high for about 4 minutes, and voilaaa - STEAMING HOT SOUP! Could not be easier...

Look at this tasty recipe from Scandie Food, for the most delicious Potato & Leek Soup:

(serves 4)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 brown onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 big leek, finely chopped 

5-6 medium sized potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

water or vegetables stock

pinch of good quality salt

freshly ground black pepper

 Conventional Method: 

1. Heat the oil in a large pot and add the onions and leeks. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the herbs, potatoes and enough water or vegetable stock to cover all the vegetables. 

2. Bring the mixture to boil, then leave to simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are really tender. Finally add nutritional yeast and season the soup with a pinch of salt and pepper. Puree the soup in a blender until creamy. Serve with sourdough croutons pan-fried in olive oil until golden brown. 

Blender Method:

1. Half quantities of both leek and onion, as the Bio Chef Blender will accentuate the flavours of both quite a lot. 

2. Combine all ingredients in the Bio Chef Professional Food Blender and blender on high for 4 minutes. The blades will create friction heat which will heat your ingredients until the soup is steaming hot! 

 Images from Scandie Food