Cinnamon Stewed Apples
Stewed apples are one of the richest food sources of the soluble fibre Pectin, an incredible compound for gut health and healing,
Pectin boasts many fantastic health benefits, including:
Healing gut hyper-permeability (leaky gut)
Promoting increased levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome
Lowering cholesterol, glucose & insulin levels
Enhancing absorption of iron (particularly beneficial for those prone to anaemia!)
Protecting the gut lining from infection by opportunistic bacteria & viruses
Binding heavy metals and helping to usher them out of the body
Pectin is rich in mucilage (a gelatinous compound produced by some plants) which effectively coats the gut lining after consumption, and can be very soothing and nourishing to an inflamed or leaky gut.
Interestingly, studies have shown that cooking pectin-rich foods in the presence of water activates the pectin, promotes more mucilage and increases the above listed benefits.
So why not try these simple, yet delicious stewed apples, and enjoy the benefits of pectin for yourself! The inclusion of cinnamon in this recipe, also provides the added benefit of stabilising blood sugar levels.
Recipe
Ingredients:
4 apples (I like using pink lady apples for this recipe)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp maple syrup
4 tbsp water
Method:
Peel and core apples.
Dice into relatively uniform chunks.
Place diced apples in a saucepan or skillet on low to medium heat and add water, cinnamon and maple syrup.
Cook for 10-15 mins, or until softened. Remembering to stir regularly.
If you notice the apples starting to try out before softened, add another tbsp water.
Once cooked, your stewed apples will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tip: Feel free to double the recipe to make a larger batch, to use on breakfasts or as a snack.
Tips:
Feel free to double the recipe to make a larger batch, so that you can use across the week - on breakfasts or as a snack between meals.
Your stewed apples can also be stored in the freezer, for up to 3 months.
These cinnamon stewed apples are so versatile with many ways to enjoy them. I enjoy pairing mine with coconut yoghurt and hemp seeds as a delicious snack or on top of oats for breakfast.
