Apples lower bad cholesterol

Apples lower bad cholesterol

13/04/2011

According to evidence-based studies, apples sustainably lower the LDL cholesterol value. The effect is even more intense than previously thought. After about half a year of study, the cholesterol level in the participants dropped by about 23 percent. In natural medicine, apples have long been regarded as true miracle fruits.

Dried apples reduce LDL cholesterol levels
Apples reduce bad LDL cholesterol in the body. After about half a year, peak values ​​of minus 23 percent were sometimes achieved when patients consumed at least one apple (75 grams) in dry form every day. Researchers found that „Florida State University“ during a comparative study with 160 participants.

The study involved 160 women between the ages of 45 and 65 years. The subjects were divided into two equal groups. One group received 75 grams of dried apples in addition to their daily diet. The comparison group consumed 75 grams of prunes each. At baseline, blood lipid levels were measured. The blood samples were taken again after three, six and twelve months. From the results, the scientists determined the average blood values.

23 percent less LDL cholesterol
Already after six months significantly better cholesterol values ​​could be determined in the first group. „The LDL cholesterol value of the apple eaters decreased by 23 percent“, explained study leader Bahram H. Arjmandi from Florida University. In addition, there was noticeably less evidence of inflammatory processes in the blood in the determinable area. Although the research team had assumed in the planning phase that the blood lipid levels improved, but this result is surprising, as Arjmandi explained. The positive HDL cholesterol levels have also increased visibly. Here, an increase of four percent was measured among apple consumers.

Use apples to lose excess calories
Many people believe that regular and long-lasting consumption of sugary apples increases their appetite and promotes weight gain. This prejudice was also refuted by the study. Most participants lost weight during the study period. The reason for this decrease in weight is the pectin contained in the apple. This substance causes premature saturation, as the researchers suspect. The apple group had an average body weight gain of 1.5 to 2.0 kilograms. Further evaluation suggested that the dried apples produced a variety of cardiovascular positive effects.

Daily consumption of apples stimulates the digestive function in the body
A Danish apple study by the Technical University of Copenhagen in 2010 came to the conclusion that the daily consumption of apples stimulate the digestive functions of the body. Over a longer period, rats were given only apples in the form of whole fruits, juice and mus. In the laboratory, the animals had a high number of beneficial bacterial cultures that had a positive effect on the digestive tract. In addition, the researchers found that these bacteria appear to be conducive to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are important for the energy supply of the body and overall ensure a healthy balance of intestinal organisms. Again, the scientists were mainly responsible for the high content of pectin for health-promoting developments.

Every day an apple for health
The studies show that the proverb, „If you eat an apple every day, you will stay healthy for a long time“ actually true. The results of the dried apple study were presented at the scientific conference of the „Experimental Biology 2011“ presented in Washington, DC. (Sb)

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Image: Carolin Daum