An Apple a Day for Heart Health

Turns out it is true that an apple a day will keep the doctor away.

In this case it's how the apple can lower cholesterol that's important. Women who ate 2.7 ounces of dried apples or dried plums (prunes) prunes every day for a year reduced their total cholesterol by 14%. LDL ("bad") cholesterol dropped by 23% and HDL ("good") cholesterol increased by 4%. (Source: Dr. Andrew Weil)

The study at Florida State also showed a drop in levels of C-reactive protein, a substance in blood that is a marker for inflammation. High levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

And the levels of lipid hydroperoxide, another substance that may indicate heart disease risk decreased as well.

Dr. Weil says that other studies have shown that people who consume 10 grams of fiber per day can lower the risk of developing heart disease by 14% and the risk of dying from heart disease by 27%. A single apple has 5 grams.

He also points out that research has shown that eating apples may reduce the risk of cancers of the colon, liver, prostate and lung (due to the flavonoids they contain). They may also reduce chronic cough and other respiratory symptoms. People who eat the most apples (and pears) have the lowest risk of asthma. And this daily apple may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in smokers.

Just make sure they are organically grown.