Two Apples a Day Reduces Heart Disease Risk in Women

Researchers at the University of Florida wanted to see if eating the equivalent of two apples each day could significantly reduce the risk for heart disease.

'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' is an old saying. And scientists did prove the adage true!

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Controversial Health Tonic
There is some evidence that apple cider vinegar consumption can help with weight loss as it help with making the person feel fuller faster after consuming a small meal.

These researchers discovered that apples have the ability to reduce the levels of cholesterol especially the ‘bad’ cholesterol, which can clog arteries and bring about life threatening situations, especially in the high-risk groups.

In Britain, heart-related conditions and stroke account as the single biggest cause of death among 45% of post menopausal women. Until menopause sets in, women are protected from heart diseases by naturally occurring hormones such as estrogen. By the age of 50, the levels of these protective hormones wane, and the incidence of heart disease sharply increases.

The researchers recruited 160 menopausal women and directed one half to consume 75 grams of dried apple, which is almost equal to two medium-sized fresh apples.

Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk Reduced by Eating Apples
The risk of developing metabolic syndrome associated with a number of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease is highly reduced by eating an apple a day.

The other half was prompted to eat the same amount of prunes. This was done to see if eating prunes had the same effect as eating apples.

Blood samples from these women were tested every three months for a period of one year. It was seen that after three months the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels dropped by 16% and the total cholesterol levels dropped by 9% in the apple-eating group. After 6 months, the total cholesterol fell by 13% and the LDL dropped by 24%. No further decline was observed in the next six months.

An Apple a Day Can Indeed Keep the Doctor Away
Apples, through their high phytochemical content, have a beneficial effect on cancer, heart disease and lung function. They possess antioxidant, cholesterol lowering and antiproliferative properties.

In the group that consumed prunes, however, the cholesterol levels were reduced but not to the same extent as in the apple group.

Earlier studies have shown that apple consumption had a remarkable impact on lung function too. The researchers suggested that two apples a day could lower cholesterol levels significantly. The present study has been reported in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Apples During Pregnancy Help Lower Asthma, Wheezing Risk in Kids
Eating an apple a day during pregnancy will not only kept the doctor away for expecting mums, but it can also help lower the risk of their kids developing asthma and wheezing.

High LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol are not desirable and need to be dealt with. Bringing about lifestyle changes, including diet and exercises every day can bring about reduction in risk factors for cholesterol related diseases.

Source-Medindia