'Apple a day' advice rooted in science

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'Apple a day' advice rooted in science

April 12th, 2011 in Medicine & Health / Health

Everyone has heard the old adage, " an apple a day keeps the doctor away. " We

all know we should eat more fruit. But why apples? Do they contain specific

benefits?

According to Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi, PhD, RD, Margaret A. Sitton Professor

and Chair, Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences at The

Florida State University, apples are truly a " miracle fruit " that convey

benefits beyond fiber content. Animal studies have shown that apple pectin

and polyphenols in apple improve lipid metabolism and lower the production

of pro-inflammatory molecules. Arjmandi's most recent research is the first

to evaluate the long-term cardioprotective effects of daily consumption of

apple in postmenopausal women. The results of this USDA-funded study will be

presented at Experimental Biology 2011 on Tuesday, April 12, at 12:45 pm in

Washington, DC.

This study randomly assigned 160 women ages 45-65 to one of two dietary

intervention groups: one received dried apples daily (75g/day for 1 year)

and the other group ate dried prunes every day for a year. Blood samples

were taken at 3, 6 and 12-months. The results surprised Dr. Arjmandi, who

stated that " incredible changes in the apple-eating women happened by 6

months- they experienced a 23% decrease in LDL cholesterol, " which is known

as the " bad cholesterol. " The daily apple consumption also led to a lowering

of lipid hydroperoxide levels and C-reactive protein in those women.

" I never expected apple consumption to reduce bad cholesterol to this extent

while increasing HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol by about 4%, " Arjmandi

said. Yet another advantage is that the extra 240 calories per day consumed

from the dried apple did not lead to weight gain in the women; in fact, they

lost on average 3.3 lbs. " Reducing body weight is an added benefit to daily

apple intake " he said. Part of the reason for the weight loss could be the

fruit's pectin, which is known to have a satiety effect. The next step in

confirming the results of this study is a multi-investigator nationwide

study.

There is frequently some truth behind our common expressions, and in the

case of 'an apple a day,' Dr. Arjmandi has shown that nutrition science

backs up the expression. " Everyone can benefit from consuming apples, " he

said.

Provided by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

" 'Apple a day' advice rooted in science. " April 12th, 2011.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-04-apple-day-advice-rooted-science.html

Posted by

Karl Stonjek