"Baked apples topped with cinnamon and a dollop of Greek vanilla yogurt is a dessert that will please both your palate and your heart," Dr. Blake says. The ingredients in this simple recipe combine to offer flavor and health benefits.
Apples are delicious, fiber-rich, and naturally sweet. "Apples are rich in viscous soluble fibers that have been shown to help lower elevated blood cholesterol levels," Dr. Blake adds. Adding the correct foods to your diet can help lower your cholesterol and heart disease risk.
According to Blake, viscous soluble fiber like apple fiber can prevent your intestines from reabsorbing high-cholesterol gallbladder-released bile acids that aid fat digestion.
Cholesterol removal from the circulation helps the liver produce new bile acids. This lowers your cholesterol."
Cinnamon gives natural sweetness, so you don't need to add sugar to baked apples. Adding sugars to your diet increases heart disease risk." Cinnamon is also anti-inflammatory, which is good for your heart and overall health.
Want something creamy with your baked apples? Instead of ice cream, try Greek yogurt. This high-protein, probiotic-rich dessert is healthy. It may decrease cholesterol and triglycerides while satisfying and balancing your gut.