Along with Chrissy ( www.instagram.com/_vavura) we offer you a delicious and quick recipe for apple parfait with Activia. This would be an ideal option to start your day or for a light afternoon snack to give you energy and tone for the rest of the day. After the recipe, you will also find a detailed description of the products included in the parfait and how they would contribute to our health.
Apple parfait with Activia
Необходими продукти за 4 порции:
- 1 tsp of your favorite muesli
- 2 tbsp. oil
- 4 large apples, cut into pieces
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ¼ tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp orange peel
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
- 3 hours Activia Muesli with apple and raisins or Activia Natural
Breakfast ingredients:
Oats are rich in many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants – mainly manganese and vitamin B1. The type of soluble fiber found in oats is beta-glucan, which partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like slurry in the gut. Its benefits are as follows:
- It lowers “bad” cholesterol as well as total cholesterol levels in the blood
- They reduce blood sugar spikes and insulin levels
- This makes oatmeal a good choice for people suffering from carbohydrate metabolism disorders
- Increases the feeling of satiety, which helps weight reduction
- Beta-glucan increases the levels of peptide YY, which plays a hormone-like role in the stomach and is produced upon satiety.
- Increases the diversity of good bacteria in the digestive tract
Butter has long been a topic of debate in the world of nutrition. Fortunately, in recent years, many studies have demonstrated the potential effects of butter on our health. Although it is high in calories and fats, butter also contains important nutrients. For example, it is a good source of vitamin A – a fat-soluble vitamin essential for skin health, immune function, and vision. It also contains vitamin E, which supports heart health and acts as an antioxidant to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, butter contains small amounts of riboflavin, niacin, calcium, and phosphorus. Butter is the most important source of absorbable vitamin D – one of the most common deficiencies affecting people in modern society. It is also an excellent source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – a type of fat found in meat and dairy products that is linked to numerous health benefits. Research shows that CLA may have anti-cancer properties and could help reduce the growth of breast, colon, stomach, prostate, and liver cancers. Other studies suggest that adding minimal amounts of CLA may reduce body fat and aid in weight loss. Furthermore, butter is rich in butyrate – a type of short-chain fatty acid produced by beneficial gut bacteria and used as an energy source in the gut. Butyrate can promote proper digestion by reducing intestinal inflammation and supporting electrolyte balance. It is also believed to help treat irritable bowel syndrome – a condition characterized by symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Blueberries contain a lot of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, making them an ideal choice for people on a diet. They have a good antioxidant profile, protecting the body from free radicals that tend to damage cells and promote the growth and spread of cancer cells. The main antioxidant substances in blueberries belong to the polyphenol family, specifically flavonoids. One group of flavonoids, anthocyanins, is believed to be responsible for most of the beneficial qualities of these berries. Oxidative stress can accelerate the aging process of brain cells, negatively impacting brain function. According to animal studies, antioxidants in blueberries can reach parts of the brain that are essential for intelligence and positively influence them by eliminating free radicals. Additionally, these berries contain bioactive compounds that neutralize the negative effects of high blood sugar levels. Research suggests that anthocyanins in blueberries positively affect insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism, making them a suitable choice for people with carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
Honey is also a rich antioxidant elixir, known for its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects.
Many nutrients are part of the composition of pure maple syrup—zinc, potassium, manganese, thiamine, calcium, iron, magnesium, and riboflavin. Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that participates in essential processes in the body, such as cell growth and regeneration. It is also highly beneficial for heart health. Just ¼ cup of real maple syrup provides 41% of your daily zinc requirement and 100% of the needed manganese. Oranges are among the most popular fruits worldwide. However, apart from flavoring certain dishes, orange peels are usually removed and discarded. The peel of this popular citrus contains important nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and plant compounds like polyphenols. In fact, just one tablespoon (6g) of orange peel provides 14% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C. The same portion also contains about four times more fiber than the inner fruit. Studies show that diets high in vitamin C and fiber reduce cardiovascular risk and have an anti-cancer effect. Orange peel also contains provitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium. Additionally, it is rich in polyphenols—hesperidin and polymethoxyflavones—which help prevent chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even Alzheimer’s. Cinnamon is one of the most flavorful and popular spices. Regular consumption of this spice is believed to reduce high blood sugar levels and may be recommended for people at high risk of developing diabetes.
Image: www.instagram.com/_vavura The recipe analysis was conducted by Dr. Stoyanova and Kristina Vavura. The analysis was carried out as part of a partnership with Activia.