Winter is a great time to turn on the oven to do a little baking. This Apple Muffin recipe uses basic ingredients and you can quickly turn these basic kitchen staples into delicious muffins. The best thing about baking your own muffins, is that you are in control over the ingredients, and there are no chemical food additives or artificial flavours, only real food.
Cinnamon is a favourite spice that has so many health benefits and a dark side. Cinnamon is the ground bark of the cinnamon tree. It is known in the world of nutrition as a spice that helps to balance blood sugar. It can make the insulin hormone more sensitive and aids in reducing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon activates brain protective proteins and can help defend the brain from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies show that compounds in cinnamon may protect cells from DNA damage, cell mutation, and cancer growth. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant combination, make it beneficial to those suffering from allergy symptoms. Cinnamon is naturally anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. Studies have shown that these properties make cinnamon beneficial to fight an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut, such as Candida, fight off bad bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities, and boost the immune system to help fight off colds and the flu. Cinnamon increases blood circulation and tissue regeneration. It helps reduce “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides while protecting the “good” cholesterol. It really is quite the amazing spice. The daily recommended amount is 1/2 teaspoon, although you can have more. If you are diabetic, consult your doctor before consuming cinnamon regularly as it may influence your insulin needs.
Not all cinnamons are equal. Ceylon cinnamon is known as true cinnamon. There are other types of cassia cinnamon that contain a compound called coumarin that’s toxic to the liver. The cassia types of cinnamon can contain 1000 times the amount of coumarin as Ceylon cinnamon. The problem with this is that almost all supermarket cinnamon is of the cassia variety. Real cinnamon is Ceylon cinnamon and is usually found at a specialty store or a health food store and it does cost more. Cheap cinnamon is no bargain for your health.
Apples contain malic acid and tartaric acid which is known to help cleanse the liver of toxins, and pectin which also aids in the removal of toxins from our bodies. One apple supplies 30 per cent of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Apples are shown to help regulate blood sugar and to reduce fat in the blood. Regular intake of apples has shown to reduce both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Researchers have also found a link in the consumption of apples and the protection of the lungs, particularly from lung cancer and asthma. Apples are best eaten raw for the greatest benefit of all the nutrients. When you are cooking apples, you can keep the skin on, as that is where a powerhouse of extraordinary antioxidants is to be found. Here is another benefit; eating one to three apples a day, not only keeps excess weight away but also aids in weight loss according to researchers at Rio de Janeiro University in Brazil, Pennsylvania State University, and Florida State University. The polyphenols in apples are super beneficial for our gut bacteria, which is important to our immune system and our health. Apples are also a good source of fiber, which is also very important. I hope you enjoy these delicious muffins as much as I do.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or lard
(room temperature)
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup milk
2 cups apple, chopped
Additional brown sugar or white sugar, and cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Into a bowl add the flour baking powder and salt, stir to blend. In a separate bowl beat the sugar into the butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat until well blended. To this bowl add by thirds the flour mixture and milk beating until just blended, stir in the chopped apples. Spoon into paper lined muffin tins. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar and cinnamon. Makes 12 muffins. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
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