With Rosh Hashanah right around the corner, apples dipped in honey will soon be on our dinner tables – a traditional symbol for a sweet new year.
Even without honey, apples make a delicious snack any time. They're a good source of healthy antioxidants and pectin – a form of fiber that's good for lowering cholesterol.
As for honey, why not try something new this year and choose a dark flavorful variety, like eucalyptus, avocado, buckwheat or chestnut? These tend to be higher in antioxidants than the milder and more common clover and citrus honeys.
Is honey good for you?
Preliminary studies suggest that antioxidants in honey may help speed up metabolism and aid in weight loss. But don't get too excited. The calories in honey (64 per tablespoon) add up quickly, so you can easily gain weight by eating too much.
Though there's no clinical evidence that honey can help relieve allergy symptoms, it just might help soothe a cough. When tested against over-the-counter cough syrups, honey was more effective! Just don't give honey to children younger than a year old, as it contains bacteria than can produce botulism poisoning in an infant's immature immune system.
In ancient times, honey was used as a wound dressing. Research is now confirming its effectiveness.
Nutrition and medicine aside, I recommend eating more apples and trying at least one new variety of honey this year, just because they taste so good!
שנה טובה ומתוקה
A Happy and Sweet New Year to Everyone
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