When planning meals for our families, we sometimes forget to include fruits. We make sure our loved ones get the right amount of fish and vegetables, milk and grains. But as for apples, bananas, and other fruits, we only place those on the table as an afterthought. This is unfortunate because fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Apples in particular, which maybe found in abundance in groceries and supermarkets, are packed with all sorts of nutritional benefits. Not only do they boost your immune system, apples also cleanse your liver, control your weight, and contribute to a healthy heart. Drinking apple juice is good too, says Cheshire Que, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, when you can’t have the fruit.

At a luncheon hosted by Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice, Chesire enumerated the benefits of drinking apple juice and shared some yummy recipes using apple juice as well. Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice offers nurturing goodness for the entire family. It’s not only great-tasting and nutritious, it is also rooted in the fine tradition of making the most of the goodness of the lovely apple since 1842.Nutritionist Chesire Que discussing the benefits of apple juiceMott’s 100% Apple Juice Brand Ambassador Janice Villanueva with executives from Fly Ace CorporationGuests at the special luncheon hosted by Mott’sThe luncheon was held at Earth Kitchen

One serving of apple juice gives your body a good boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Apart from having vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants which work to improve your overall health and well-being, it also has loads of potassium to keep your heart healthy and strong. Apple juice may also help prevent asthma attacks, improve memory, and reduce the risk of cancer.

Every eight-ounce serving of Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice provides your family with two servings of fruit and 120% Daily Value Vitamin C. That’s not just 100% juice, that’s also 100% delicious!

It’s no wonder then that one of the country’s most conscientious moms, Janice Villanueva, founder of Mommy Mundo, likes stocking up on Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice. Apart from all its nutritious goodness, Janice says, “Like most moms today, I am discerning about what I put in the grocery cart, what goes into our refrigerator, what goes into my kids’ bodies. First thing we moms do when we consider buying a product is usually to check the label. When you see a label like that of Mott’s we sometimes feel we hit the jackpot because we’ve found a healthier alternative for our family. The fact that it not only tastes good, but this 100% Apple Juice, with 0% fat, no sugar added, is gluten free, and with added Vitamin C and knowing that it has been a well-loved brand for more than a century makes Mott’s a perfect complement to my goals for a healthy lifestyle for me and my family.”

Janice further observes that Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice has no colorants, no additives, and no preservatives.

Mott’s 100% Original Apple Juice is available in 32oz and 64oz in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide.Janice talks about the importance of analyzing product labelsPopcorn Clusters and Perky Pancakes

Here, delicious recipes using Mott’s 100% Apple Juice:

Popcorn Clusters Makes 12 servings

What you need: 5 cups air-popped popcorn 1 cup Mott’s 100% Apple Juice ½ cup honey ¼ cup dried cranberries

What to do: * In a saucepan, mix Mott’s 100% Apple Juice with honey and bring to a boil. Boil for another four to five minutes until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. * Pour popcorn and cranberries into the mixture while still hot and mix. Coat popcorn and form into balls using a scooper or spoon. Serve in cupcake liners.

Perky Pancakes Makes 10 servings

What you need for the pancake batter: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup blended carrots or 250 grams carrots, raw 1 egg ½ cup milk 1/8 cup Mott’s 100% Apple Juice 6 tablespoons grated cheese 4 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder Pinch of salt

What you need for the apple sauce: 1 cup Mott’s 100% Apple Juice ¼ cup honey ½ cup cubed apples

What to do: * Combine carrots, egg, milk, water, sugar, and salt. Mix together using a blender or food processor. * In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and grated cheese. Add to the blended carrots. * Grease preheated pan with cooking spray. * Pour a small scoop of batter in the middle of the pan until it forms a round shape. Cook for about two minutes on each side. * To make the apple sauce, cook the apple juice with honey ona saucepan until the mixture thickens to desired consistency. * Add the apple cubes and cook for about one minute. * Remove from heat and pour onto the pancakes.

More photos from the event:Guests were asked to transform Mott’s 100% Apple Juice bottles into works of artMoms get busyWorking together