Cinnamon-Baked Apples Boost Hearing Health

Grandma’s Holiday Apple Recipe Packs a Healthy Punch

A delicious way to support your hearing is by eating more apples. Apples can be enjoyed in various ways, including this old-fashioned baked apple recipe below.

Apples — The Nutritional Powerhouse

Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and an array of antioxidants. In fact, in a study published in Nutrition Journal, it’s reported that, “In the laboratory, apples have been found to have very strong antioxidant activity, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol.” The nutrients in apples not only contribute to overall health but also play a huge role in maintaining healthy hearing.

What’s in an Apple?

Antioxidants: Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, a leading cause of age-related hearing loss. Antioxidants help protect your ears from the damage caused by free radicals.

Vitamin C: A boost for the immune system, vitamin C also plays a protective role in hearing health by helping prevent damage to delicate structures in the inner ear.

Potassium: Crucial for regulating the fluid in your inner ear, potassium is essential for translating sound into signals your brain can understand. Potassium helps maintain these fluid levels and support proper hearing function.

Magnesium: Magnesium protects the inner ear’s hair cells from damage, especially from loud noises. It also helps shield these sensitive cells, reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Supporting Ingredients

While apples are the star, other ingredients in this baked apple recipe can further enhance its hearing health benefits.

Cinnamon Contains Iron: Iron is essential for maintaining healthy blood flow to the cochlea, the part of the ear responsible for hearing. Anemia, caused by iron deficiency, can impair hearing.

Pecans Contain Zinc: Zinc is vital for maintaining the health of the inner ear. A deficiency in zinc can lead to tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears. Adding nuts to your baked apple dish can increase your zinc intake.

Incorporating apples into your diet, particularly through a delicious baked apple recipe like this one, is a simple and enjoyable way to support your hearing health. Enjoy this healthy treat and give your ears the care they deserve!

With 6 easy ingredients, this crowd-pleasing traditional recipe makes the holidays special and boosts your hearing health!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp butter

4 large apples (Our favorites? Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup tiny cinnamon candies

1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

¼ cup pecans, chopped (if desired)

Prep:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Use 1 Tbsp of butter to grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
• Peel and core apples (leaving ½ inch of the core intact, on the bottom).

Directions:

1. Arrange apples in the prepared baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon candies, ground cinnamon, and pecans together.
3. Fill each apple with the cinnamon mixture.
4. Place ¼ Tbsp of butter on top of each apple.
5. Pour ¼ inch of boiling water into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Cover with foil.
7. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for 20 additional minutes uncovered.

The apples are done when you can pierce them easily with a paring knife. If they’re still tough, bake for 10 more minutes. Serve warm.

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