April 8 - Adults Who Eat Apples, Drink Apple Juice Have Lower
Risk for Metabolic Syndrome
Not eating your apple a day? Perhaps you should
be. According to a study, adults who eat apples, apple juice,
and applesauce have a significantly reduced risk of metabolic
syndrome, a cluster of health problems that are linked to numerous
chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The study results, presented at the Experimental Biology 2008
meeting, were derived from an analysis of adult food consumption
data collected in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES), the government’s largest
food consumption and health database.
Victor Fulgoni, PhD, analyzed the data, specifically
looking at the association between consumption of apples and
apple products, nutrient intake, and various physiological parameters
related to metabolic syndrome. When compared to nonconsumers,
adult apple product consumers had a 27% decreased likelihood
of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Fulgoni
notes, “We found that adults who eat apples and apple
products have smaller waistlines that indicate less abdominal
fat, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk for developing
what is known as the metabolic syndrome.”
In addition to having a 30% decreased likelihood
for elevated diastolic blood pressure and a 36% decreased likelihood
for elevated systolic blood pressure, apple product consumers
also had a 21% reduced risk of increased waist circumference--all
predictors of cardiovascular disease and an increased likelihood
of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, adult apple product consumers
had significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels, another
measurable marker related to cardiovascular risk.
Furthermore, apple product consumers’
diets were healthier than nonconsumers–they had a greater
intake of fruit and key nutrients, including dietary fiber,
vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium. These consumers also
ate less total fat, saturated fat, discretionary fat, and added
sugars.
Source: US Apple Association
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