Scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) School of Medicine and Pharmacology trailed a group of senior women ages 70-85 for 15 years to study the connection of apples with risk of mortality.
The study showed that eating an apple a day was linked with a 35 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality in contrast to the women who didn’t consume the apples in their diet, UWA’s Dr Jonathan Hodgson says.
“Apples are among the top contributors to total flavonoid intake,” he says.
Flavonoids are compounds found in plant foods.
“Eating an apple a day will provide a significant contribution to total flavonoid intake,” Dr Hodgson says.
Apples are the second most popular fruit in the world. Consuming a small apple (100g) provides approximately 10 per cent of daily intake of total flavonoids and dietary fiber. Flavonoids and dietary fiber is associated with great health benefits.
“For example, we have previously shown that flavonoid intake from apple skin improved artery relaxation.”
“We have now shown that higher apple intake was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality and cancer mortality in older women.” Dr Hodgson says.
The study supports so many sources that encourages people to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of disease.
Dr Hodgson recommended that more studies be done on apples to learn its full health potential.
