In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that eating two apples a day could help lower cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk.
The study is from the University of Reading. One author is Professor Julie Lovegrove.
Apples are rich in fiber and compounds called polyphenols. They could reduce the amount of total and LDL cholesterol and improve blood vessel health in people who had slightly high blood cholesterol levels.
A particular interest in this study is how the two whole apples, rather than sugar and calorie matched apple juice drink, have had a significant effect on markers of the heart health of participants.
The team used Renetta Canada apples grown in Trentino Italy, which were rich in a type of polyphenol compound called proanthocyanidins (PAs) and a matched apple juice squash as a control.
While the control apple drink was similar in calories and total sugar, the whole apple used had much higher proportions of fiber and total polyphenol content.
The team says they don’t yet know whether the fiber that is found in the apple or the polyphenol which is in much greater concentration in the apples is responsible for the health benefits.
Either way, the clear winner here is the whole food.
This study suggests that simple small changes in daily diet such as eating two apples may have an important impact on people’s heart health.
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