Nutrition: Could an apple a day keep the cardiologist away?

If you’re looking to keep your cholesterol in check, eating an apple a day may be a good place to start. Researchers from Ohio State University studied a group of healthy, middle-aged adults who consumed one apple per day for four weeks. At the end of the study, the subjects had a 40 percent lower blood level of oxidized LDL ("bad cholesterol"). According to lead researcher, Robert DiSilvestro, "when LDL becomes oxidized, it takes on a form that begins atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries."

A second group took a daily capsule of polyphenols (a type of antioxidant found in apples) for the four weeks, while a third group took a placebo with no polyphenols. Those who took a daily polyphenol also saw a decrease in blood level of oxidized LDL, but not as strong as the effect of eating a whole apple each day. The group taking a placebo saw no change.

So what type of apple did the study participants eat? It was a large Red or Golden Delicious. Yum!

How often do you consume this heart-healthy fruit?

Related:
‘ 8 of Canada’s healthiest apples
‘ 5 ways apples help keep the doctor away
‘ Our best healthy apple recipes