Lunch: Hot Apple Cider

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Lemon

Health benefits of Hot Apple Cider

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060). Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

4 whole Cinnamon Sticks
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves
8 whole Allspice Berries
Orange Peel From 1 Orange
Lemon Peel From 1 Lemon
1/2 cup Maple Syrup
6 cups Unfiltered (fresh Squeezed Is Great) Apple Juice
1/2 cup Dark Rum (optional)

Instructions

(Adapted from AllRecipes. com.)
Place cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel in a medium saucepan. Pour in maple syrup and apple juice, then bring to almost a boil. Reduce the heat to its lowest setting and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and serve in mugs.
(Add a splash of rum for an adults-only version! Yum, yum, yum.)