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An Apple A Day
"An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away" - Is
it just nursery rhyme? The latest scientific research shows that this
old nursery rhyme is more fact than fiction.
WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLES
The
disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health
benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart
disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a
"whole-body" health benefit which include Lower blood cholesterol,
improved bowel function, reduced risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type
II diabetes and asthma.
A number of components in apples, most
notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower
blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated
with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer,
type II diabetes and asthma. Preliminary research from Finland
indicates diets with the highest intake of apple phytonutrients were
associated with a 46 percent reduction in the incidence of lung cancer.
Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple
juice reduced the damaging effects of the "bad" LDL cholesterol.
(Interpoma 2002 Conference, Bolzano , Italy / Dianne Hyson, Ph.D.,
M.S., R.D., University of California-Davis )
CANCER PREVENTION
Over
the past four years, apple consumption has been linked with reduced
cancer risk in several studies. A 2001 Mayo Clinic study indicated that
quercetin, a flavonoid abundant in apples, helps prevent the growth of
prostate cancer cells. A Cornell University study indicated
phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibited the reproduction of
colon cancer cells by 43 percent. The National Cancer Institute has
reported that foods containing flavonoids like those found in apples
may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent.
(Carcinogenesis March, 2001 / Nature June, 2000 /Journal of the
National Cancer Institute January, 2000)
HEALTHY LUNGS
Two
recent British studies indicated that eating apples can improve lung
health. A study of Welsh men indicated that people who ate at least
five apples per week experience better lung function. Researchers at
the University of Nottingham reported that those who ate five apples
per week also had a lower risk for respiratory disease. In the
Netherlands at the University of Groningen , apples were singled out as
a fruit that could cut smokers' risk of COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease) in half. Scientists believe antioxidants found in
apples may ward off disease by countering oxygen's damaging effects on
the body. (American Thoracic Society Meeting May, 2001 - Thorax
January, 2000)
HEART DISEASE & STROKE PREVENTION
A
Finnish study published in 1996 showed that people who eat a diet rich
in flavonoids have a lower incidence of heart disease. Other studies
indicate that flavonoids may help prevent strokes. (The British Medical
Journal 1996)
WEIGHT LOSS
Apples are a delicious source of
dietary fiber, and dietary fiber helps aid digestion and promotes
weight loss. A medium apple contains about five grams of fiber, more
than most cereals. Also, apples contain almost zero fat and
cholesterol, so they are a delicious snack and dessert food that's good
for you.
UC-DAVIS: APPLES ARE HEART-HEALTHY
Researchers at
the University of California-Davis recently reported that apples and
apple juice may help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. In
the first study conducted in humans, adults who added two apples, or 12
ounces of 100% apple juice, to their daily diet demonstrated a
significant slowing of the cholesterol oxidation process that leads to
plaque build-up - thereby giving the body more time to rid itself of
cholesterol before it can cause harm.
You can find Apples in your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods such as Phi Plus, Fruitalicious, Fruitalicious Plus and DetoxiPhi.
Visit The Wholefood Farmacy
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