An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Do you find you or members of your family getting sick at the oddest of times? There is nothing worse than catching a cold or nursing a flu during weekends, holidays, or special occasions. This seems to be the scenario for many Filipinos who have let their hectic lives disrupt their health’s balance. But don’t worry, getting rid of the sniffles is possible when we pinpoint what exactly is bringing us (and our families) under the weather. First, we should know that there are two types of major diseases: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious disease points to bacteria and viruses that we catch through air, touch, food, drink, and the like. These are responsible for the common illness culprits such as cough and colds. Then there are the non-infectious illnesses–those that grow slowly over time due to our lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions.

The good news is that our immune systems are equipped to fight disease. However, we have to do our part to make sure our bodies stay as strong as they could be by avoiding health risks (like smoking and drinking), daily exercise, and eating a healthy diet. That’s how we keep ourselves illness-free.

An Apple A Day You are what you eat, they say, and the foundation of a strong body is good nutrition. That’s why the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” holds some truth. An apple a day, as part of a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, is the key to staying healthy.

Every country has dietary recommendations on what we should consume daily to keep our bodies in tip top shape. Generally, that means four to six servings of fruits and vegetables per day, with each serving the size of the palm of your hand. For the past 20 or so years, experts have informed people that a plant-based diet is effective in lowering risks of heart disease and cancer. But even so, most do not meet their daily recommended allowance of fruit and vegetable intake.

Although we know we should eat more fruits and veggies, it is pretty obvious that saying is easier than doing. This has led nutrition experts to study whether drinking juice helps increase our servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day.

The Experts Weigh In Yes, juice can take the place of a serving of a piece of fruit per day. But it depends on the type of juice you choose. Good quality apple juice is a great source of vitamin C and potassium. Plus, it is rich in antioxidants that help bulk up the body against viruses. But experts continue on saying that you need to eat real fruit too so you don’t miss out on the fiber you can gain from consuming the whole fruit.

Drinking juice is healthy, but this comes with a warning too! Be sure to take a very close look at the labels of the apple juice you buy to make sure it’s not loaded with sugar and additives. Opt for the freshest juice you can find, with as little ingredients as possible.

Mott’s Amazing Did you know that Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice contains only three ingredients? Water, apple juice concentrate, and Vitamin C. Now that’s amazing.

It’s important to notice that sugar or high fructose corn syrup is not on Mott’s list of ingredients. Having those on the label adds preservatives to the mix, and that turns a healthy beverage into an unhealthy one.

A glass of 100% juice–whether it’s freshly squeezed or from juice concentrate–brings a lot of health benefits. The potassium, vitamins, and minerals you gain from gulping down your fruit helps lower your blood pressure, improves the body’s ability to heal faster, and provides you with a good serving of water to help you stay hydrated. As an added bonus, Mott’s claims two servings of fruit in every eight-ounce glass of apple juice.

One of the great things about Mott’s is that it’s readily available in our most convenient grocery store. Our two servings of fruit per day is just a shelf away! Not to mention it tastes great, so it’s easy for kids (and yes, even you) to take a glass or two of apple juice.

A Long Tradition of Goodness A man named Samuel Mott founded Mott’s in 1842. Can you imagine Mr. Mott 173 years ago making juice by crushing fresh apples? He used the freshest apples, pressed them, bottled the apple juice, and turned them into cider and vinegar. It was not long until demand for his products picked up and Mott found himself shipping cases of his products to California.

All successful endeavors take time. And so it was with Mott’s brand. He picked up first prizes for product quality at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 and the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893. And today, as the company has been passed on from generation to generation, Mott’s focus on taste and quality is stronger than ever. Not only are their products delicious, they are simple and convenient solutions for those who want to make smart choices for their families.

Healthy Choices Made Easy We are no longer surprised to hear stories about moms with picky eaters (and drinkers) enjoying a glass of Mott’s apple juice. One person ranted about her son’s never-ending cough. And it didn’t help that the boy liked to eat and drink chocolate-based products all the time, so his throat always got itchy. One day she discovered he liked apples, but could not finish one whole fruit. She then tried to give the boy Mott’s apple juice and he gulped it down with gusto. Apple juice is now a staple in their everyday routine, and she is proud of how it has helped boost her son’s immunity from pesky colds and cough.

Living healthy is not a temporary thing; it’s a lifestyle you choose for yourself and your family. Let us be grateful for trusted, high-quality brands like Mott’s who bring nutrient-packed goodness to our table in the most delicious and convenient way.

Apple image courtesy of tuelekza at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Green apple with heart image courtesy of rakratchada torsap at FreeDigitalPhotos.net