A new study discovered that apples promoted good cholesterol levels in the participating women.   Researchers from Florida State University were surprised at the results of their study that included 160 females aged 45-85 randomly selected to received either 75 grams of dried apples or dried prunes for a whole year.  The apple consumption group significantly reduced the blood levels of total cholesterol and low density cholesterol (LDL- bad cholesterol) by 14% and 23%, respectively. Good cholesterol (HDL) increased in the study group by 4%.  The atherogenic  (plaque building) risk ratios of lipid  and C-reactive protein levels were also improved in the apple group.

The women in the study group also lost an average of 3.3 pounds even though the apples added another 240 calories to the usual daily diet.  Dr. Bahram Arjmandi who led the study, suggested that weight loss may be due to the pectin in apples which satisfies hunger.   Early animal studies had already suggested that apple and its components, e.g. apple pectin and polyphenols, improve lipid metabolism and lower the production of proinflammatory molecules. The authors believed that this study was the first  to look at the cardioprotective effects of daily consumption of apple for one year in postmenopausal women.

Of course, more studies will need to be done to reconfirm these results and look at the cellular interactions but we already know that apples are a good source of fiber, so why not have "an apple a day!"

 

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Comments

Bad cholesterol is responsible for many diseases including heart attacks. Eating an apple a day seems to be simple solution for the big problem. Author deserves appreciation for sharing this valuable information.

I really like this article, I must tell more people to read it.

In this age of intense marketing of exotic super fruits, it is nice to read about such a common and boring fruit such as the apple! I eat apples as a energy pick me up and it's great to hear it may be helping my cholesterol.

It just shows that the old saying is true and the old generation knew this!

apple a day keeps doctor away is really very old saying, but as you can see, it is absolutely true and and our ancestors knew that very well.

It’s clear that you’ve researched this project in detail. After reading other like articles, I learned from reading this. I’m intrigued by your ideas and am in agreement with you

Is well known from long time ago, that benefit brings to eat an apple daily health. so with this kind of research what my grandmama said...comes true. thx

Wow! What a simple yet effective article. Clearly the apple offers so many benefits for our bodies it's hard to understand why we don't eat them on a regular basis. Tina

I think it will be interesting to repeat this experiment in a group of men with similar research methods. It will be worthwhile comparing the results since there is a higher incidence or morbidity and mortality in men associated with high cholesterol i.e IHD, stroke

My wife is 59 with high chlorestorol and this is excellent material. i will be sharing with her. Thanks!!!

A peach and apple make great snacks. They are satisfactory and will work to remove cholesterol from your system while you enjoy it.

Very good news for woman that we can maintain our cholesterol using apple. I like apple.In weekend every day I take 2 apple. But as per this report I think need to start everyday one apple. Exclusive news.

Great article. Fruits are always a great food when it comes to fighting high cholesterol or lowering cholesterol.

These are just studies, but it is still good in promoting good health. Apples are one of great fruits, and should be included in our diet. Thanks for sharing this article!

it is true, the scientists found that apples can lower blood fat levels significantly in postmenopausal women, the group at highest risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, eating fruit every day for six months can lower cholesterol by 25 percent. Thank you for sharing it. Another time I come back to this site.