Add Apples to Your Diet for a Happy Belly

SELAH, WA--(Marketwire - Jul 11, 2012) - Sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in many cereal grains, is fast becoming the most talked-about gastrointestinal issue of our time. However, did you know that 15 percent of Americans suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), nearly ten times that of Celiac Disease?

Deanna Segrave-Daly, registered dietitian on behalf of Tree Top, believes that Americans will start to discuss IBS as they did Celiac and gluten intolerance in 2011. "As consumers become aware of how much their gut impacts overall wellness, they'll be seeking ways to maintain digestive health and keep their gut clean."

Incorporating apples and apple products into your diet is an easy and inexpensive way to help improve digestion, which may lead to a happier and healthier belly. When paired with other healthy belly foods, such as yogurt, flaxseed and whole wheat bread, recipes can be transformed in to gastrointestinal powerhouses.

Eating apple sauce with yogurt is a tasty way to improve your digestive wellbeing. Probiotics, like those found in yogurt, have gained attention for their effect on digestive health. These 'good' bacteria are microscopic organisms, which live in the colon and need prebiotics to grow and increase in activity. Apples (and apple sauce) are one of the few fruits thought to have unique prebiotic potential. To incorporate apple sauce in to your diet, try an easy Fruity Breakfast Parfait. In a parfait glass, layer 2 tbsp. plain yogurt, 2 tbsp. cereal, 2 tbsp. apple sauce; repeat layers. Top with fresh apples for a fresh crunch and extra fiber.

Add a little apple juice to your morning smoothies for a quick and healthy kick-start. This particular Blueberry Dazzler recipe, combines Tree Top Apple Juice, plain yogurt, banana and frozen berries for a taste treat sensation. For an extra blast of nutrition, add a tbsp. of ground flaxseed to the drink. Flaxseeds are rich in soluble fiber as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Looking for a midday snack? Muffins can be an easy and portable option. This Oatmeal Apple Sauce Muffin recipe includes whole wheat flour, which is known to promote gastrointestinal health, as well as nutritious Tree Top Apple Sauce.

Need something more substantial? How about a Cheddar Apple Melt sandwich? Fresh apples are good news for your gut. One explanation is due to their fiber content -- apples are considered a good source, providing 10 percent of the daily fiber recommendations.

About Tree Top
Since 1960, Tree Top has provided premium, quality juices, fruit based products and ingredients to consumers and most of the world's leading manufactures. The grower-owned cooperative operates eight processing facilities in the heart of Washington's apple country, Oregon and California. With more than 1,100 growers, the co-op creates the widest array of fruit-based products and ingredients available on the market. Tree Top's passion and attention to quality and craftsmanship makes it the first choice for customers. For more information, visit www.treetop.com.