Relating more to the shape of a pear than an apple, I, nonetheless, embrace the benefits of this fabled fruit. It is no wonder Eve took a bite…no doubt, she was seduced by the sheen, the color and the feminine roundness of this crunchy and noble fruit. For countless years, I would bite into one every day, and appreciate how satisfyingly delicious my midday snack truly was. However, for these past four years post-ileostomy, I have eschewed my passion for apples because of my fear of one causing a blockage. I was told to bake apples, mash them until they are the consistency of applesauce, even grate one over my nightly ice cream. But nothing motivated me. I assumed I had lost my zest for this healthy fruit for eternity. And then, while walking through the lobby of our Medical Center to our Support Group meeting recently, I noticed a basket of beautiful apples. Perhaps someone had gone picking that weekend, and wanted to share the “fruits of their labor!” I took one home, and left it in the refrigerator for a few days, just chilling and winking at me every time I opened the door. Finally, I cut it up and removed the skin. (Although I know I could have chewed the skin very well, I felt safer with it peeled.) That apple was more than delicious…in fact, it was a great reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the best. I enjoyed every bite, and I am already looking forward to another tomorrow.
By the way, here is an interesting fact about apples that may explain their wonderful reputation and mandate to eat one a day to keep the doctor away…they have a soluble fiber that neutralizes pain-triggering stomach acids that have been attributed to warding off heartburn for five hours.
All in all, some gifts from Mama Nature are too good to ignore, and a beautiful, round, shiny, crunchy apple may just be one of them!