Category Archives: Healthy Living

#thursdaythrive Apples

#thursdaythrive All about Apples!

More than 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States, but only the crabapple is native to North America.
Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
Apples ripen six to 10 times faster at room temperature than if they are refrigerated.
Apple varieties range in size from a little larger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit. The largest apple ever picked weighed 3 pounds.
It takes about 36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider.

#thursdaythrive Collard Greens!

There are many reported health benefits of collard greens, which may extend to your digestive system, heart health, bone health, and skin and hair health. Studies indicate the vegetable can also reduce your glaucoma risk, prevent cancer, and provide detox support.
Collard greens are part of the Acephala group, which also includes kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Swiss chard.
The plant has large, dark-colored, and edible leaves, and like kale, it has an upright stalk that grows up to two feet tall.
When buying collard greens, look for firm, deep-green leaves. Smaller leaves are also tenderer with a milder flavor. Store collard greens in the refrigerator.

#thursdaythrive

All about Beets!

Red beets get their color from a pigment called “betalain.” Betalain is also responsible for the red color of bougainvillea and amaranth.
The Romans considered beet juice to be an aphrodisiac.
Sugar beets are about 20% sugar while beets or beetroot are usually no more than 10% sugar.
In Australia, pickled beets are commonly put on hamburgers.
Beets are sometimes used to make homemade wine.