An apple a day really can keep the doctor away – especially if he’s a heart specialist. Eating one a day protects against hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
The fruit is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that lowers blood levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which has been associated with hardening of the arteries.
Researchers from Ohio State University discovered the antioxidants in apples had more of a protective effect than those found in the spice, curcumin, green tea and tomato extract.
They made the discovery when they gave 16 volunteers a Red or Golden Delicious apple to eat every day for four weeks and compared their LDL levels with 17 others who took polyphenol capsules.
(Source: Journal of Functional Foods, 2012; doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2012.08.010).
What do you think? Start a conversation over on the... WDDTY Community
