“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 and Fruitalicious.
Have you
and your children had an apple today?
As always, we are at your service,
The Wholefood Farmacy Team
