As I type this, it's a crisp, cool day outside, a little early for fall, but still, it's in the air! And it won't be long before apple picking will begin in the many orchards in our area. I hope you enjoy the following article about the wonderful health benefits of Apples!
"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.
Thanks for this article goes to The Wholefood Farmacy, our source for healthy and delicious snacks.
