Apples may prove to be a winner when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease, says a new study of more than 34,000 women. Women of all ages are encouraged to consume more fruit and vegetables, including apples and apple products, for a healthy heart. However, this study focused on postmenopausal women, a group becoming more aware of the risk for heart disease.
As a result of the extensive analysis that considered what the women ate, the types of cardiovascular-related diseases they experienced, and the overall flavonoid content of an extensive list of foods, the researchers concluded that consumption of apples, pears and red wine were linked with the lowest risk for mortality related to both CHD and CVD (not just one or the other).
Says nutrition consultant Geetu Amarnani, “Besides containing a wide variety of flavonoid compounds good for the heart , apples are low in calories and fat, low in sodium and contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. It helps in increasing health and vitality to keep active throughout the day. The phytochemicals present in apple helps to reduce the problems such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma.” Sumit Saran of the SCS Group, which represents the Washington Apple Commission in India remarked, “There are around 7,500 varieties of apple grown around the world today. Among these the best ar e planted in the commercial orchards of Washington State. Some of the popular variants of Washington Apples which are now available in India are juicy red delicious, mildly sweet golden delicious, green and juicy granny Smith.” “Washington apples have gained popularity in India in the recent years. Owing to the growing health consciousness among Indians, the demand for Washington apples has been on the rise,” he added.
–Agencies