New research shows that apples are not just good for you, but that they can offer some amazing health benefits when you pair them with certain other foods or eat them at certain times throughout the day. Learn how to get the most out of this crisp, delicious fruit!

1. Apples with Green Tea

When you eat apples along with green tea, you are increasing the antioxidant effects of both foods. This combination can actually block a specific molecule, called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and help with the formation of new, healthy blood vessels. The blockage of the VEGF molecule helps prevent the formation of harmful plaques in the blood vessels, too, by promoting angiogenesis. So, eating apples with green tea can actually reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, lower your cholesterol, and make you less dependent on medications for these conditions.

2. Apples Before Grocery Shopping

Researchers from Cornell found that those who reach for an apple before going grocery shopping tend to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables when shopping. Eating an apple stimulates the appetite for healthy foods, and helps stave off cravings for junk food at the same time.

3. Apples After Lunch

Instead of reaching for a sweet treat in the mid-afternoon, reach for an apple. It will not only satisfy your craving for something sweet, but it can regulate your blood sugar and keep energy levels from fluctuating too much.

4. Eat Apples with Oranges

No need to keep these two delicious fruits separated. When you combine the nutrients in both, you can increase the antioxidant protection that occurs. Add bananas for even greater protection! These antioxidants are thought to help prevent brain damage and the neurodegenerative effects of aging.

5. Eat Apples with Chocolate

When you combine a juicy, crisp apple with some delicious dark chocolate, you can maximize the flavonoids like quercetin (in the apples) and catechin (in the dark chocolate). These antioxidants help to dissolve collagen clots that can form within blood vessels and lead to heart attacks and stroke. Combining apples with dark chocolate is not only a terrific treat, but can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

6. Eat Apples with Cheese

When you eat an apple by itself, the chewing of the apple stimulates the production of saliva, which helps remove any bacteria that is left behind by other foods. Saliva has an alkaline pH, which neutralizes the plaque forming on the teeth. Cheese is also an alkaline food that contains high levels of tyramine, which also helps reduce plaque. Keep your teeth healthy by eating apples and cheese!

7. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

A Dutch experiment showed that, over the course of 10 years, those who ate more white fleshed fruit, such as apples or pears, reduced their risk of having a stroke by nearly 10%. So make it a habit to eat an apple each day!

Apples are not only delicious, they offer many terrific health benefits. Reach for an apple next time you are in the mood for a snack!